What's eating my peperomia axillaris?

Peperomia axillaris, the taco leaf peperomia, has boat-shaped succulent leaves that fold along the midrib. Mealybugs hide inside the folded leaves, making them easy to miss. Fungus gnats are a common problem if this drought-tolerant plant is overwatered. Scale can appear on stems. Inspect inside each leaf fold carefully.

Hidden colonies inside the folded leaf channel; leaf bases become white and waxy; affected leaves may collapse Use a fine-tipped cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol to reach inside leaf folds; treat with a systemic neem soil drench if infestation is widespread

Larvae in wet soil chew roots; plants show wilting despite being watered; adults hover at soil surface This species needs minimal watering — allow soil to dry thoroughly; add a grit mulch layer; apply yellow sticky traps

Small brownish bumps on stems; leaves turn pale or yellow; sticky honeydew appears on lower surfaces Manually remove with a soft brush dipped in insecticidal soap solution; treat with neem oil; repeat applications every 10–14 days