Common Pests
Most indoor infestations are one of a handful of sap-sucking pests. Catching them early makes them far easier to clear.
Common causes
Spider mites
Fine webbing and stippled, dusty-looking leaves. They thrive in dry air — raise humidity and wipe leaves, then treat with insecticidal soap or neem.
Mealybugs
White cottony blobs in leaf joints. Dab them with a cotton bud dipped in rubbing alcohol and treat repeatedly until gone.
Fungus gnats
Small flies around the soil, usually from overwatering. Let the top layer dry, use sticky traps, and consider a soil drench.
Scale
Small brown bumps along stems and leaf undersides. Scrape off and treat with horticultural oil, isolating the plant while you do.