What's eating my black rose aeonium?

Black Rose Aeonium is most threatened by mealybugs, which hide in leaf rosette crevices and drain sap. Aphids and scale insects also attack, especially during active spring growth. Vine weevil larvae can destroy roots. Inspect rosette centres regularly and treat at first sign to protect the striking dark foliage.

White waxy cottony clusters in rosette crevices; leaves yellow and growth stunts Dab with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; spray with diluted neem oil or insecticidal soap; repeat weekly until clear

Soft-bodied clusters on new growth; sticky honeydew residue and distorted young leaves Blast off with a firm water spray; apply insecticidal soap solution; introduce ladybirds if grown outdoors in summer

Brown or tan waxy bumps on stems and leaf undersides; sap loss causes yellowing Scrape off with a soft toothbrush; wipe with alcohol; follow up with neem oil spray every 10 days

Sudden wilting and collapse as C-shaped white grubs devour roots; notched leaf margins from adult night feeding Unpot and inspect roots; remove and destroy grubs; drench soil with nematode solution (Steinernema kraussei) in autumn