What's eating my queen of hearts plant?

Queen of Hearts Homalomena faces the usual indoor pest suspects — spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Its thick, waxy leaves offer some protection, but mealybugs readily hide in leaf axils. Low humidity encourages mites. Inspect monthly and act quickly at first sign.

White cottony masses in leaf joints and on stem bases; honeydew secretions; leaves yellow and drop prematurely Dab with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; spray entire plant with neem oil mixed with dish soap; repeat weekly for a month

Pale stippling on leaf surfaces; fine silky webbing on undersides; leaves become dull and papery in severe cases Increase humidity; wipe leaves with a damp cloth; use insecticidal soap or a miticide; ensure good airflow around the plant

Brown or tan waxy bumps on stems and leaf undersides; sticky honeydew; stunted growth and yellowing leaves Scrape off scale with a soft toothbrush; treat with horticultural oil or neem oil spray; repeat every 10 days for 3 cycles