What's eating my peperomia incana?

Peperomia incana, the felted pepperface, has dense white hairs on its leaves that can trap pests. Mealybugs are the top threat, hiding easily in the feltlike texture. Fungus gnats are a secondary concern if soil stays wet. The hairy surface makes spray treatments less effective — manual removal is key.

White woolly patches blend into the hairy leaf surface; sap-feeding causes leaf curl and stunted growth Use a cotton swab soaked in 70% isopropyl alcohol to dab each cluster; inspect undersides carefully; follow up with systemic neem soil drench if persistent

Larvae damage shallow roots in wet soil; adults emerge from soil surface and hover around the plant Water sparingly; top-dress with coarse sand or perlite to reduce surface moisture where adults lay eggs; use sticky yellow traps

Stippled, dull foliage; fine webbing visible in dry indoor conditions; leaves may drop prematurely Raise humidity; wipe accessible leaves with a damp cloth; apply insecticidal soap being mindful that heavy spray can flatten the leaf hairs