What's eating my agave multifilifera?

Agave multifilifera, the thread-leaf agave, has distinctive fibrous leaf margins that can trap debris and moisture, creating hiding spots for mealybugs and spider mites. Agave snout weevil is still the gravest threat to the crown. Inspect carefully around the thread filaments where pests can hide unseen until populations are large.

Crown destruction by burrowing larvae; plant wilts from the centre and leaves collapse outward No effective cure once established inside; remove affected plants. Use preventive systemic insecticide in spring.

White cottony masses hiding among the leaf threads and in axils; weakened, discoloured growth Use a fine brush dipped in isopropyl alcohol to reach pests among filaments; follow with neem oil spray.

Superfine webbing along leaf margins and tips; fine stippling or silvery speckling on leaf surfaces Raise humidity locally; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; repeat every 5–7 days for three cycles.