What's eating my rattlesnake plant?

Rattlesnake Plant (Goeppertia lancifolia) is most frequently troubled by spider mites, which thrive in the dry air that this humidity-loving plant dislikes. Mealybugs hide in rolled leaves, and scale appears on stems. Fungus gnats breed in soggy soil. Consistent high humidity and good watering discipline prevent most outbreaks.

Pale stippling or bronzing on leaf surfaces; fine webbing under leaves; leaves curl and dry at edges Boost humidity; wipe leaves with a damp cloth; spray insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil every 5–7 days until mites are gone

White cottony fluff tucked in leaf axils and around the base; sticky honeydew; leaves yellow Dab colonies with alcohol-soaked cotton swabs; spray the whole plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap; check neighbouring plants and isolate

Brown or cream-coloured bumps on leaf undersides and stems; yellowing foliage; leaf drop Scrape off with a soft toothbrush dipped in soapy water; follow with a neem oil treatment; repeat every 10 days for a month

Tiny flies near soil surface; root damage causes wilting and slow growth despite adequate watering Allow topsoil to dry between waterings; apply Bti (e.g., Gnat Nix or Mosquito Bits drench); use yellow sticky traps to monitor adults