What's eating my peperomia caperata 'luna red'?

Peperomia caperata 'Luna Red' has deeply ridged, textured leaves that make ideal hiding spots for mealybugs — by far the worst threat. Thrips can also rasp the corrugated leaf surface, and fungus gnats become a problem if the plant is overwatered. Check crevices at every watering.

White waxy fluff lodged deep in the leaf ridges and at stem bases; honeydew leads to sooty mould Use a soft brush dipped in isopropyl alcohol to reach ridges; follow up with neem oil spray weekly for a month

Silver-bronze scarring and distorted new growth as thrips rasp the textured leaf surface Remove heavily damaged leaves; apply spinosad-based spray or insecticidal soap on a 5-day cycle for three applications

Larvae damage shallow roots in soggy compost; adults are a nuisance indicator of overwatering Allow compost surface to dry; add a layer of horticultural grit as a top-dressing; use Bti nematodes (Steinernema feltiae) as a soil drench