What's eating my primrose-leaf cape primrose?

Primrose-leaf cape primrose is a compact Streptocarpus houseplant susceptible to mealybugs hiding in its corrugated leaf texture, cyclamen mites distorting new growth, and fungus gnats in waterlogged compost. The ridged leaf surface makes early detection harder, so inspect the undersides and base regularly.

Waxy white clusters lodge in the deeply textured leaf ridges and at the base; honeydew attracts sooty mold Use a soft brush dipped in isopropyl alcohol to reach ridges; follow with insecticidal soap spray; repeat every 7 days

Growing tip leaves become stunted, thickened, and distorted; flower buds fail to open normally Isolate the plant; treat with neem oil or a miticide labelled for ornamentals; repeat at 7-day intervals for 3 weeks

Larvae damage fine roots; persistent wet soil encourages breeding; adults fly around the plant Allow topsoil to dry; apply Bti drench (e.g., Gnatrol); use sticky yellow traps to catch adults