Rule out pests quickly so you can target the real cause of curl or droop.
What to look for
- Spider mites: fine webbing, peppery stipples, edges curl inward.
- Thrips: twisted new leaves, silvery streaks, black specks (frass).
- Scale & mealybugs: bumps or cottony clusters; sticky honeydew and sooty mold follow.
Immediate response
- Isolate the plant; wipe leaves and stems with soapy water or alcohol swabs (spot test first).
- Improve airflow and rinse foliage; repeat treatment weekly for 3–4 weeks.
- Yellow sticky traps help monitor flying adults (thrips/fungus gnats).
Recovery tips
After pests decline, prune worst damage and focus on new, clean growth as the success metric.
