What's eating my vriesea?

Vriesea bromeliads are relatively pest-resistant but can be troubled by scale insects and mealybugs, which hide in the tight leaf axils and central cup. Spider mites attack in dry conditions. Because water sits in the central tank, fungus gnats can breed there if stagnant. Flush the cup with fresh water regularly and inspect the base of leaves closely.

Brown or white shell-like bumps along leaf bases and undersides; yellowing leaves; sticky honeydew residue. Scrape off scales manually; apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap spray, working it into leaf axils; repeat in 2 weeks.

White cottony fluff deep in leaf axils and at the base of the central cup; reduced vigor; honeydew and sooty mold. Remove visible bugs with an alcohol-soaked cotton swab; spray neem oil solution into axils; treat weekly until clear.

Pale, streaky discoloration or stippling on leaf surfaces; fine webbing across leaves in heavy infestations. Increase humidity; wipe leaves with a damp cloth; apply insecticidal soap spray and repeat weekly for 3–4 rounds.