What's eating my wendland's cape primrose?

Wendland's cape primrose is a large monocarpic Streptocarpus grown indoors for its single enormous leaf and eventual flower spike. Mealybugs exploit the leaf's undersides and base, while vine weevil larvae are a serious root threat in pots. Aphids occasionally colonize developing flower stems.

White cottony deposits under the massive leaf and in the crevice where it meets the potting medium; weakens the plant before it can flower Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; use alcohol swabs for spot treatment; repeat every 7–10 days

Larvae consume the rhizome and roots, causing the plant to wilt and fail to produce its bloom Apply nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) to moist compost in spring; examine roots at potting and remove grubs by hand

Clusters on emerging flower stalks; sticky honeydew and distorted buds Remove with a soft damp cloth or gentle water spray; apply insecticidal soap; repeat as needed