What's eating my agave macroacantha?

Agave macroacantha kept as a houseplant faces its biggest risk from agave snout weevil and mealybugs nestled in leaf axils. Scale insects occasionally appear on the stiff, dark-spined leaves. Early detection is critical — weevil damage looks like sudden wilt rather than gradual decline, making prevention far more effective than cure.

Larvae bore into the stem base, causing the central rosette to collapse and leaves to pull free easily Inspect regularly; discard severely affected plants. Preventive soil drench with a systemic insecticide in early spring where legal.

White waxy fluff in leaf joints and along the midrib; plant looks dusty and growth slows Wipe affected areas with alcohol; follow up with neem oil spray; isolate the plant from other succulents.

Hard circular or oval bumps on leaf surfaces; yellowing and stippling of tissue underneath Scrape off with a soft brush; apply horticultural oil; repeat applications needed to catch crawlers.