What's eating my peperomia perciliata?

Peperomia perciliata is a miniature trailing peperomia with tiny rounded leaves. Its small size makes colonies of mealybugs or spider mites harder to spot early. Fungus gnats are a common problem because it prefers a slightly moist substrate. Mealybugs are the most destructive pest; regular inspection of the delicate stems is essential.

Tiny white cottony spots along stems and at leaf joints; plant growth halts and leaves may drop. Use a fine brush or cotton swab with rubbing alcohol on every affected joint; follow with diluted neem oil spray. Repeat weekly.

Leaves develop pale speckles; webbing visible between tiny leaf clusters in dry air. Gently rinse the plant; spray with insecticidal soap covering all surfaces; increase ambient humidity.

Larvae feed in the moist substrate damaging the shallow, fine roots of this miniature species. Allow substrate surface to dry slightly; apply Bti drench; use yellow sticky traps to monitor adult numbers.