Pest identification
What's eating my agave filifera?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony deposits between leaves and along the white fibrous leaf threads; slow wilting; honeydew
Control: Use an alcohol-dipped cotton swab to work into leaf crevices; apply neem oil solution to the rosette; repeat every 10 days for three cycles
Scale insects
Signs: Hard rounded bumps on leaf surfaces; localised yellowing; slight stickiness
Control: Scrape with a soft toothbrush; wipe with 70% isopropyl alcohol; follow with monthly neem oil maintenance spray
Keep agave filifera pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Agave filifera pests — FAQ
What is eating my agave filifera?
Agave filifera (Thread Agave) is a compact, thread-margined houseplant that is remarkably pest-resistant thanks to its stiff waxy leaves. Mealybugs hiding between the filament-edged leaves are the main indoor threat. Scale insects occur occasionally. Its dense rosette and dry-preferring nature make it unattractive to most insects.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on agave filifera?
White cottony deposits between leaves and along the white fibrous leaf threads; slow wilting; honeydew Use an alcohol-dipped cotton swab to work into leaf crevices; apply neem oil solution to the rosette; repeat every 10 days for three cycles
How do I get rid of scale insects on agave filifera?
Hard rounded bumps on leaf surfaces; localised yellowing; slight stickiness Scrape with a soft toothbrush; wipe with 70% isopropyl alcohol; follow with monthly neem oil maintenance spray