What's eating my sansevieria kirkii?

Sansevieria Kirkii — also sold as Star Sansevieria — is a tough species but not immune to houseplant pests. Mealybugs exploit its broad, ruffled leaf margins. Spider mites appear in very dry conditions. Scale insects occasionally colonise the thick stems. Its naturally leathery leaves help it resist most attacks if kept in good health.

Fluffy white masses along the undulating leaf edges and in the axils; honeydew drips onto lower leaves causing sooty mold. Remove manually with an alcohol swab and spray the whole plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap, paying attention to leaf margins. Repeat weekly.

Fine yellow stippling on the coppery-brown leaf undersides and mild webbing when conditions are hot and dry. Mist leaves, raise humidity and apply insecticidal soap spray to all surfaces. Repeat every 5–7 days for 3 rounds.

Hard brown bumps on stems and along midribs; leaves yellow and growth is stunted as sap is withdrawn. Scrape off with a toothbrush and apply horticultural oil or neem oil. Inspect again after 2 weeks to treat any remaining crawlers.