Can someone diagnose this plant problem?

[StuckInARug]

I’ve had this rubber plant for a few years now and it’s been happy overall, but recently I’ve noticed these crystallised bits where the new leaf buds are, and there is also some leaf discolouration. Any guesses what it is? It seems to have killed the leaf buds.

Are they 'crystals'/some sort of exudate, or are they wee beasties? Do you have a magnifying glass?

Either way, I'm thinking it's some sort of pest damage.

Have a-look under the leaves. Wipe along the leaf veins with a damp tissue and check for spider mite, then check for scale insect.

Im almost too scared to check. Do spider mites go on people??

There are some white spots on the leaves and dark spots underneath them. I think I’ll just treat it with neem oil spray as if it’s some kind of pest and hope for the best??

Do spider mites go on people?? No, they don't. And they're not spiders.

Spider mite will appear like dust on your damp tissue. They’re tiny. Being short sighted, I can see them with my naked eye, but most people need a magnifying glass.