What's eating my nematanthus wettsteinii?

Nematanthus wettsteinii, a classic trailing goldfish plant, is most commonly attacked by spider mites, which thrive in the warm dry air of heated homes. Mealybugs shelter in its dense leaf nodes. The waxy leaves help resist some pests, but vigilance during winter — when heat drops humidity — is essential.

Pale, stippled leaves with a bronze sheen; webbing under leaves and at stem tips; leaves may curl and drop in heavy infestations. Increase ambient humidity. Spray with insecticidal soap or dilute neem oil, covering undersides thoroughly. Repeat weekly. In severe cases, a miticide such as bifenazate can be used.

Cottony white deposits tucked into leaf axils and stem junctions; weakened shoots and reduced flower production; sooty mould on lower leaves. Treat affected areas with isopropyl alcohol. Follow with a systemic neem oil drench or spray cycle repeated every 7–10 days for at least three applications.

Small brown or tan shell-like bumps along stems; yellowing and weakening of affected shoots; sticky honeydew on surfaces below. Scrape off scale with a soft toothbrush or cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Apply neem oil or horticultural oil spray to smother crawlers. Repeat applications over 4–6 weeks.