What's eating my vriesea platynema?

Vriesea platynema is an indoor bromeliad susceptible to mealybugs and scale, which favour its broad leaf axils and central tank. Spider mites attack in dry conditions. Fungus gnats can establish in wet bark mix. Flush the central cup weekly with fresh water and maintain moderate humidity to discourage most infestations.

Fluffy white masses at leaf bases and in the central cup; distorted, weak new leaves Swab with rubbing alcohol; drench the cup with diluted neem oil solution; inspect every two weeks

Waxy brownish bumps on both sides of leaves; yellowing and leaf drop in heavy infestations Scrape off manually and apply horticultural oil; treat the whole plant and nearby surfaces

Faint stippling and webbing on undersides of leaves, especially in low humidity Increase ambient humidity; wash leaves with a strong water spray; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap