What's eating my pilea 'moon valley' (friendship plant)?

Pilea 'Moon Valley' has deeply textured, quilted leaves that are ideal hiding spots for spider mites and mealybugs. Its preference for consistent moisture also makes fungus gnats a recurring nuisance. The creviced leaf texture makes pests harder to spot and treat, so flushing the foliage under lukewarm water is the single most effective prevention step.

Fine bronzing or stippling trapped in the leaf valleys; webbing particularly visible under magnification Rinse plant thoroughly under a gentle shower; spray insecticidal soap into all crevices; maintain humidity above 50%

White wax hidden deep in the textured leaf surface and stem nodes; honeydew attracts mold Use a soft toothbrush dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol to reach crevices; follow with neem oil spray, repeat weekly

Swarms of tiny flies around moist soil; root larvae stunt growth in smaller pots Let top inch of soil dry; place yellow sticky traps; drench with Bti solution to break the larval cycle