What's eating my neoregelia ampullacea?

Neoregelia ampullacea is a compact miniature bromeliad grown indoors that is most susceptible to mealybugs and scale in its tight leaf axils. Its small cup can harbour fungus gnat larvae if potting mix stays wet. Spider mites occasionally colonise the foliage. Tiny size makes early detection critical — inspect with a magnifier at each watering.

White fluffy wax in the tiny leaf axils; growth slows and leaves may yellow Use a fine-tipped cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol to reach tight axils; follow with diluted neem oil

Small hard bumps on leaves; honeydew and sooty mold on the compact foliage Scrape off carefully; spray with horticultural oil every 10 days for at least three cycles

Tiny flies at soil level; larvae damage fine roots if the bark mix is kept too moist Allow mix to dry slightly between waterings; use yellow sticky traps and Bti biological drench