What's eating my sinningia concinna?

Sinningia concinna is a miniature gesneriad grown indoors, often in terrariums. Its small size makes early pest detection challenging. Mealybugs are the most common threat, hiding between tiny leaf pairs. Fungus gnats exploit the moist, peaty substrate. Aphids occasionally attack the delicate flower stalks.

Tiny white cottony specks between leaves and around the crown; wilting and stunted growth Fine-tipped cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol; dilute neem oil mist — difficult in terrariums, so manual removal is preferred

Larvae damage fine roots in moist peaty mix; adults swarm inside closed terrariums Reduce watering frequency; use yellow sticky micro-traps; apply Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) as a soil drench

Clusters on delicate flower stalks; distorted or failed buds Remove with a fine artist's brush; targeted insecticidal soap application with care not to damage tiny foliage