What's eating my pitcairnia flammea?

Pitcairnia flammea is a terrestrial bromeliad susceptible to mealybugs and scale insects that hide in its narrow leaf bases. Spider mites can flare up in low humidity. Because it lacks a water-holding tank, pests are often overlooked at soil level — check the crown and roots regularly.

White, waxy fluff at the base of leaves and in the crown; plants wilt and lose colour Apply isopropyl alcohol with a cotton swab directly to colonies; drench soil with diluted neem or spinosad if root mealybugs are suspected

Hard or soft bumps on stems and leaf undersides; honeydew attracts sooty mould Scrape off adults manually; apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap spray targeting crawlers

Pale stippling and fine webbing, most visible on upper leaf surfaces in dry conditions Increase ambient humidity; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil solution, repeating weekly