What's eating my tillandsia fuchsii?

Tillandsia fuchsii is rarely troubled indoors, but scale insects and mealybugs are the most likely attackers, sheltering at the base of its fine, wispy leaves. Spider mites can also colonize it in hot, dry air. Good air circulation, regular misting, and prompt removal of affected tissue are your best defenses.

Brown or tan bumps fixed to leaf bases and stems; leaves yellow and weaken as sap is extracted. Dab individual scales with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol; rinse the plant with water and improve airflow.

White cottony clusters at leaf axils and near the base; sticky honeydew residue and wilting growth. Remove with an alcohol-dipped swab; mist the whole plant with a dilute neem or insecticidal soap solution and repeat weekly.

Fine webbing across the narrow leaves; stippled, silvery-grey leaf surfaces in severe infestations. Increase humidity and airflow; rinse the plant under a gentle stream of water; apply insecticidal soap if mites persist.