Pest identification
What's eating my agave montana?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony masses in leaf axils; honeydew residue; outer leaves discolour and weaken
Control: Treat with isopropyl alcohol swabs directly on colonies; apply neem oil solution into the rosette; repeat every 10–14 days
Scale insects
Signs: Hard waxy bumps on the broad leaf surface; small yellow patches around each bump
Control: Scrape off manually; treat with 70% isopropyl alcohol; apply preventive neem oil spray monthly during the growing season
Keep agave montana pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Agave montana pests — FAQ
What is eating my agave montana?
Agave montana (Mountain Agave), a large cold-tolerant species, has very few pest problems when grown as a houseplant or in a cold-climate garden. Mealybugs are the most likely indoor issue. Its exceptionally thick, waxy, spine-tipped leaves act as a physical deterrent to most insects and browsing animals alike.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on agave montana?
White cottony masses in leaf axils; honeydew residue; outer leaves discolour and weaken Treat with isopropyl alcohol swabs directly on colonies; apply neem oil solution into the rosette; repeat every 10–14 days
How do I get rid of scale insects on agave montana?
Hard waxy bumps on the broad leaf surface; small yellow patches around each bump Scrape off manually; treat with 70% isopropyl alcohol; apply preventive neem oil spray monthly during the growing season