What's eating my parrot feather bromeliad?

Parrot Feather Bromeliad (Vriesea psittacina) is most vulnerable to mealybugs, which hide within the colorful feathery bracts and leaf bases. Scale and thrips can also attack, with thrips causing silvery scarring on the ornamental bracts. Keep the central cup topped up and inspect every few weeks to catch problems early.

White woolly deposits in bract axils and leaf bases; sticky honeydew residue Remove with alcohol swabs; apply neem oil spray to the whole plant; isolate to prevent spread

Brown waxy bumps on leaves and bracts; weakened plant with yellowing foliage Scrape off with a soft brush dipped in soapy water; apply horticultural oil spray

Silver streaks and scarring on bracts and leaves; distorted new growth Remove heavily infested bracts; spray with insecticidal soap or spinosad; use blue sticky traps nearby