Pest identification
What's eating my agave attenuata 'boutin blue'?
Mealybugs
Signs: White fluffy deposits in leaf axils and at the crown; sticky honeydew; leaves yellow and lose firmness
Control: Dab colonies with alcohol-soaked swabs; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly; isolate the plant until clear
Spider mites
Signs: Pale stippling across leaf surface; fine webbing at the base of leaves in hot dry conditions
Control: Increase humidity; rinse foliage; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray every 5-7 days
Scale insects
Signs: Brown bumps on leaves that do not rub off easily; dulled leaf colour; sooty mould on honeydew
Control: Scrape off with a toothbrush; wipe with alcohol; follow with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap
Agave snout weevil (Scyphophorus acupunctatus)
Signs: Core collapse and mushy rot at the base; larvae visible inside; plant cannot recover once established
Control: Remove and destroy; apply imidacloprid drench preventively in spring if kept outdoors in warm climates
Keep agave attenuata 'boutin blue' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats agave attenuata — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common agave attenuata 'boutin blue' problems & fixes
- Agave attenuata 'Boutin Blue' watering schedule
- Agave attenuata 'Boutin Blue' light requirements
- Full agave attenuata 'boutin blue' care guide
Agave attenuata 'Boutin Blue' pests — FAQ
What is eating my agave attenuata 'boutin blue'?
Agave attenuata 'Boutin Blue' is a soft-leaved, unarmed agave that is moderately susceptible to indoor pests. Mealybugs are the most frequent problem, clustering at leaf bases. Spider mites can flare in dry indoor air. Scale insects and the agave snout weevil (outdoors) round out the main threats to watch for.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on agave attenuata 'boutin blue'?
White fluffy deposits in leaf axils and at the crown; sticky honeydew; leaves yellow and lose firmness Dab colonies with alcohol-soaked swabs; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly; isolate the plant until clear
How do I get rid of spider mites on agave attenuata 'boutin blue'?
Pale stippling across leaf surface; fine webbing at the base of leaves in hot dry conditions Increase humidity; rinse foliage; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray every 5-7 days
How do I get rid of scale insects on agave attenuata 'boutin blue'?
Brown bumps on leaves that do not rub off easily; dulled leaf colour; sooty mould on honeydew Scrape off with a toothbrush; wipe with alcohol; follow with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap
How do I get rid of agave snout weevil (scyphophorus acupunctatus) on agave attenuata 'boutin blue'?
Core collapse and mushy rot at the base; larvae visible inside; plant cannot recover once established Remove and destroy; apply imidacloprid drench preventively in spring if kept outdoors in warm climates