What's eating my tillandsia bergeri?

Tillandsia bergeri is a tough, fast-clumping air plant that resists most pests, but mealybugs are the most realistic indoor threat, hiding where leaves overlap. Scale can occasionally appear. This species tolerates bright, breezy conditions well, which naturally discourages most infestations.

Cottony white deposits between the clumping leaf rosettes; sticky honeydew and slow growth. Separate the clump if possible and treat each rosette with an alcohol swab; follow up with dilute neem spray weekly.

Hard brown bumps on the leaves; affected leaves may yellow and feel sticky to the touch. Remove scales with a soft toothbrush dipped in soapy water or isopropyl alcohol; improve air circulation around the clump.