What's eating my aeonium simsii?

Aeonium simsii, a compact rosette succulent, is most often troubled indoors by mealybugs hiding deep inside the rosette and by scale insects on its stems. When grown outdoors in summer, aphids may cluster on soft new rosettes. Good air circulation and dry winters significantly reduce pest pressure on this aeonium.

White cottony masses deep inside leaf rosettes; honeydew deposits; rosette centre may rot if infestation is dense. Apply 70% isopropyl alcohol with a dropper directly into the rosette centre; treat surrounding foliage with neem oil spray weekly.

Small brown shells on stems; yellow patches on leaves above infested zones; overall plant vigour declines. Scrape off with a soft toothbrush; swab with alcohol; follow with horticultural oil spray repeated fortnightly.

Soft green or black insects clustered on new rosette leaves in spring; distorted growth; sticky honeydew. Spray with a strong water jet outdoors or apply insecticidal soap; check again after five days and repeat if needed.