What's eating my tradescantia 'nanouk'?

Tradescantia 'Nanouk' is a fast-growing houseplant most troubled by spider mites, which thrive in the warm, dry indoor conditions it often occupies. Fungus gnats, aphids, and occasional mealybugs also occur. Regularly misting and inspecting the undersides of the variegated leaves keeps the main threats in check.

Fine silky webbing on stems and leaf undersides; speckled, pale or silvery streaking across leaves; plant looks dull. Increase humidity; shower the plant to knock mites off; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray every 5–7 days for at least three rounds.

Clusters of small soft insects (green, black, or white) on new growth tips; curled or distorted leaves; sticky honeydew. Knock off with a strong water jet; treat with insecticidal soap spray; repeat weekly until gone. Introduce lacewings or ladybirds in a greenhouse setting.

Adult flies hovering near the soil; larvae damage fine roots, leading to poor growth or wilting. Let soil surface dry out between waterings; use yellow sticky traps for adults; drench soil with Bti solution to kill larvae.