â ModerateðĐš
Pests
Mealybugs on Succulents
Commonly affects: Various succulents (Crassulaceae, Aizoaceae, and others)
White, cottony masses cluster in leaf axils and along stems, secreting honeydew and weakening the plant over time.
Potential Causes
- 1Warm, dry indoor conditions favouring mealybug establishment
- 2Introduction from a nearby infested plant
- 3Tightly-packed rosette leaves providing sheltered hiding spots
Solution Steps
- 1Dab visible colonies with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol
- 2Spray thoroughly with insecticidal soap, working it into leaf axils
- 3Isolate the affected plant from other succulents
- 4Repeat treatment every 7-10 days for several cycles
Prevention Tip
Check tightly-packed rosette centres carefully â mealybugs hide deep in leaf axils long before becoming visibly obvious.
