What's eating my agave mitis?

Agave mitis, a softer-leaved agave ideal as a houseplant, is vulnerable to mealybugs and scale insects — its less rigid leaves give pests slightly easier footholds than spiny relatives. Agave snout weevil remains the most dangerous threat. Fungus gnats can also colonise overly wet soil. Keep the plant dry and well-ventilated.

Larvae tunnel through the crown, causing rapid wilting and rosette collapse Destroy infested plants; preventive systemic soil drench in spring; avoid plant stress which attracts weevils.

White powdery or cottony deposits at leaf bases and inside the rosette; stunted new growth Apply isopropyl alcohol directly to colonies; follow with neem oil or insecticidal soap spray every 10 days.

Raised, waxy bumps on leaves; sticky honeydew drips on lower leaves and pot Scrape away with a toothbrush; treat with horticultural oil; improve air circulation around the plant.