What's eating my agave isthmensis?

Agave isthmensis is a miniature collector's agave kept as a houseplant where mealybugs and scale insects are the primary threats, often hiding in the tight rosette of broad, toothy leaves. Root mealybugs are a particular risk in small pots. Check roots at repotting and inspect the rosette monthly; treat with alcohol and neem oil at the first sign.

White cottony masses between the tightly packed leaves; the small rosette can collapse quickly if untreated Dab with isopropyl alcohol using a fine-tipped swab; drench leaf bases with diluted neem oil; repeat weekly

Tiny tan or brown bumps on leaf surfaces; honeydew residue and early yellowing Remove with a soft toothbrush and alcohol; apply neem or horticultural oil spray and monitor closely

Slow unexplained decline; white powdery cottony deposits found on roots when the plant is removed from its pot Unpot, rinse roots, soak briefly in diluted neem oil solution, allow to dry, and repot in fresh sterile succulent mix