What's eating my strobilanthes kunthianus?

Strobilanthes kunthianus (Kurinji) is an outdoor flowering shrub native to Indian hill ranges. Its main pests outdoors are aphids clustering on new growth and caterpillars feeding on foliage. Whitefly can build up in sheltered garden spots. Where grown in containers indoors, spider mites may appear in dry air.

Dense colonies on tender shoot tips and flower buds; distorted growth and sticky honeydew encouraging sooty mould Blast off with a strong water jet; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; introduce ladybirds or lacewings as natural predators

Irregular holes or scalloped edges on leaves; in heavy infestations, stems are defoliated Hand-pick caterpillars and egg masses; spray with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for larger outbreaks; remove garden debris that harbours pupae

Tiny white adults fly up when plant is disturbed; nymphs under leaves cause yellowing and honeydew deposit Use yellow sticky traps to monitor; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to leaf undersides; repeat every 5–7 days

Pale stippling and fine webbing on undersides of leaves, especially in dry or container conditions Raise humidity around the plant; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly; ensure good air movement