What's eating my agave colorata?

Agave colorata, with its broad cross-banded leaves, is an attractive houseplant agave mainly affected by mealybugs and scale insects lodging in its leaf axils. The decorative markings can mask early scale infestations, so inspect the undersides and bases carefully each month and treat promptly with neem oil or isopropyl alcohol.

White cottony residue at leaf bases and in the rosette centre; foliage yellows and softens Dab with alcohol-soaked swabs; follow with a neem oil drench; isolate from other succulents

Flat or raised waxy bumps along leaves; possible sooty mold on honeydew deposits Remove physically with a soft toothbrush and alcohol; apply neem or horticultural oil spray monthly

Gradual decline and yellowing despite correct watering; white powder on roots at repotting Unpot and rinse roots, treat with a neem soil drench, and repot in fresh sterile succulent mix