To control problems, isolate your plant immediately, and dip it or spray it weekly with insecticidal soap. Systemic insecticides are sometimes effective if used quickly. Aphids are common pests but are easily controlled. The insects suck sap from the plant and can cause new growth to be distorted. Aphids are found on new growth and the undersides of the leaves.
Heavy infestations end with the plant covered in sticky syrup called honeydew.
Aphids can be controlled with commonly available houseplant insect sprays. Mealybugs look like tiny white tufts of cotton and are often mistaken for a disease rather than the insect they are. The bugs are normally found on the undersides of leaves or on stems at the point where a leaf joins. The white, waxy coating protects the insects from sprays, making control difficult. Touching each insect with a small brush or cotton swab dipped in alcohol will kill them, but young bugs will be very small and can easily be overlooked.