What's eating my agave nickelsiae?

Agave nickelsiae is a compact, slow-growing houseplant agave threatened primarily by agave snout weevil and mealybugs. Its dense rosette makes early detection of leaf-axil pests difficult. Scale insects occasionally settle on the leaves. Regular inspection of the innermost leaves and crown is the single best defence for this species.

Larvae bore into the central growing point, causing sudden crown collapse and foul-smelling rot Discard and destroy infected plants; preventive systemic insecticide drench applied in early spring.

Cottony white residue deep in the tight leaf axils; slow growth and distorted new leaves Treat with isopropyl alcohol and a fine brush; follow with neem oil drench into the rosette; repeat for 3–4 weeks.

Hard, flat shields on leaf surfaces; yellowing and dry patches beneath each scale Scrape off physically; apply horticultural oil and repeat after 10–14 days to catch newly hatched crawlers.