What's eating my emerald ripple peperomia?

Emerald Ripple Peperomia is troubled mainly by sap-sucking insects that hide in its deeply ridged, textured leaves. Mealybugs are the most common threat, followed by fungus gnats (from overwatering), spider mites in dry air, and occasional scale. The corrugated foliage gives pests excellent cover, so inspect closely.

White cottony clusters in leaf crevices and stem joints; sticky honeydew residue; distorted new growth. Dab individual bugs with a rubbing-alcohol-soaked cotton swab; spray the whole plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7–10 days until clear.

Tiny dark flies around the soil surface; larvae chew fine roots, causing wilting and yellowing in young plants. Allow the top 2 in (5 cm) of soil to dry between waterings; apply a Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) drench or yellow sticky traps for adults.

Fine webbing on undersides of leaves; stippled, faded or bronzed leaf surfaces, especially in low humidity. Raise humidity, mist leaves, and wipe with a damp cloth; treat with diluted neem oil or insecticidal soap spray, repeating every 5–7 days.