What's eating my red ti plant?

Red Ti Plant (Cordyline fruticosa 'Red Sister') is most commonly troubled by spider mites and mealybugs indoors. Its broad, burgundy-red leaves can develop pale stippling from mite feeding that blends with natural color variation. Thrips also target the soft new foliage. Scale insects colonize the woody base and stem. Low humidity is the key risk factor.

Pale stippling or bronzing on the red-purple leaves, especially on younger growth; webbing on undersides Raise humidity; wipe leaves with a damp cloth; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray every 5–7 days for 3 weeks

White cottony masses at the base of leaves and in the crown; honeydew drips and leaves lose color Remove with isopropyl-alcohol swabs; treat with neem oil spray focusing on the crown and leaf bases; repeat weekly

Silvery streaks or scarring on new burgundy leaves; tiny black droppings on foliage; distorted unfurling leaves Remove damaged new leaves; apply spinosad-based spray weekly; use blue sticky traps to monitor adult populations

Hard brown or tan bumps along the stem and lower leaf midribs; sticky honeydew and sooty mold Scrub off with a soft brush; wipe with 70% isopropyl alcohol; follow with horticultural oil spray