Pest identification
What's eating my aeonium decorum?
Mealybugs
Signs: Fluffy white wax in rosette axils and branch crotches; honeydew leading to sooty mould; stunted new growth
Control: Remove with alcohol-dipped cotton swabs; spray whole plant with diluted neem oil every 7 days for 3–4 weeks
Aphids
Signs: Soft green or black insects clustered on new growth; curled shoot tips; sticky deposits
Control: Blast off with a strong jet of water; apply insecticidal soap spray; repeat until population collapses
Scale insects
Signs: Hard or soft waxy shells fixed to stems; yellowing and weak growth; honeydew
Control: Scrub off manually then treat with neem oil or horticultural oil; inspect bi-weekly
Keep aeonium decorum pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Aeonium Decorum pests — FAQ
What is eating my aeonium decorum?
Aeonium Decorum grown as a houseplant is most vulnerable to mealybugs nesting in its branching stem joints and rosette centres. Aphids and scale insects are secondary threats. Prompt isolation of infested plants and alcohol spot-treatment keep colonies from spreading to nearby succulents.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on aeonium decorum?
Fluffy white wax in rosette axils and branch crotches; honeydew leading to sooty mould; stunted new growth Remove with alcohol-dipped cotton swabs; spray whole plant with diluted neem oil every 7 days for 3–4 weeks
How do I get rid of aphids on aeonium decorum?
Soft green or black insects clustered on new growth; curled shoot tips; sticky deposits Blast off with a strong jet of water; apply insecticidal soap spray; repeat until population collapses
How do I get rid of scale insects on aeonium decorum?
Hard or soft waxy shells fixed to stems; yellowing and weak growth; honeydew Scrub off manually then treat with neem oil or horticultural oil; inspect bi-weekly