What's eating my ridley's hohenbergia?

Ridley's Hohenbergia is a robust tank bromeliad kept as a houseplant or greenhouse specimen. Its stiff, spine-edged leaves resist many pests, but scale insects and mealybugs exploit protected leaf bases. Poor air circulation encourages both. Flush and refresh tank water monthly to prevent fungus gnat breeding in the cup.

Hard brown bumps on leaf bases and midribs; honeydew and sooty mold follow heavy infestations Manually remove with alcohol-dipped cotton swab or soft brush; follow up with neem oil spray weekly until clear

White waxy fluff in leaf axils and at base rosettes; slowed growth and yellowing leaves Isolate plant; treat with rubbing alcohol on cotton swabs for individual bugs; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray

Adults fly around soil and cup; larvae in potting mix damage fine roots, causing wilting Let potting mix dry between waterings; use yellow sticky traps for adults; apply BTi (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) to soil