What's eating my tillandsia pruinosa?

Tillandsia pruinosa is a small, fuzzy-leaved air plant with heavy trichome coverage that provides some natural protection against pests. Even so, mealybugs can penetrate between its curled, silvery leaves. Scale and spider mites are occasional problems. Because of its trichomes, always dilute any treatment well to avoid clogging the leaves.

White waxy deposits hidden deep between curled leaves and at the plant base; the heavy silvery trichomes can disguise early infestations. Inspect by gently separating leaves; dab with an alcohol swab; apply very diluted isopropyl alcohol (1 part alcohol to 4 parts distilled water) as a spray, then dry fully upside-down.

Flat tan bumps on leaf surfaces, sometimes mistaken for the plant's natural trichome texture; honeydew and sooty mould confirm the presence of scale. Remove manually with a soft toothbrush; treat with a low-concentration horticultural oil spray and quarantine from other Tillandsia.

Webbing between leaves and dull, stippled silver-grey foliage that lacks normal trichome sheen — most likely in overheated, low-humidity rooms. Increase misting frequency and ambient humidity; spray all leaf surfaces with diluted insecticidal soap, rinsing afterward with distilled water and drying within 4 hours.