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

Peperomia caperata 'Red Ripple' is particularly susceptible to mealybugs because its deeply rippled, reddish leaves create numerous hidden crevices for pests to colonize. Fungus gnats thrive if soil stays too wet. Inspect the deep ridges at every watering. Neem oil spray and correct soil moisture management are the most effective defenses.

White woolly masses deep in leaf ridges and at stem nodes; honeydew, sooty mold, and leaf drop Use a fine-tipped alcohol swab to reach crevices; follow with thorough neem oil spray weekly for a month

Root damage from larvae in overly moist soil; stunted growth and yellowing leaves Allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry; apply Bti drench and place sticky yellow traps

Pale speckling visible across the rippled surface; fine webbing in severe dry-air infestations Spray with insecticidal soap; increase humidity and avoid placing near heating vents