What's eating my paraboea rufescens?

Paraboea rufescens is a limestone-cliff gesneriad cultivated mainly indoors or in specialist collections. Mealybugs are the most common pest, sheltering in the tight leaf rosettes. Spider mites can cause damage in low-humidity interiors. Fungus gnats are a secondary concern if the well-draining mix is kept too wet.

White cottony deposits between leaves and along stems; stunted flowering; sticky residue leading to sooty mold growth Treat with alcohol swab; apply neem oil every 7–10 days; remove badly affected leaves; quarantine new plants before introducing

Pale stippling on leaf surface; fine webbing at rosette center; leaves becoming bronzed and crispy Raise humidity with regular misting; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap; ensure adequate air movement around the plant

Root damage from larvae; wilting; small adult flies hovering near the soil surface Allow topsoil to dry before watering; drench with Bti solution; use sticky yellow traps to monitor adult populations