What's eating my peperomia marmorata?

Peperomia marmorata's silvery, heart-shaped leaves can harbour mealybugs in the leaf folds and stem joints. Spider mites are a risk in dry winter rooms. This species is relatively resistant to pests overall, but its low-growing habit means fungus gnats from wet compost can damage the shallow root system.

White fluffy masses at leaf bases and stem nodes; sticky residue and leaf yellowing Remove visible clusters with alcohol-dipped swab; spray entire plant with neem oil solution weekly until no signs remain

Fine pale flecking on the marbled leaf surface; webbing on undersides in severe cases Mist foliage to raise humidity; apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil spray every 5–7 days for three to four rounds

Root damage from larvae in waterlogged compost; affected plants wilt despite moist soil Reduce watering frequency; top-dress with grit; apply Bti-based biological control to the compost