What's eating my agave nizandensis?

Agave nizandensis is a rare, compact Mexican agave grown as a houseplant collector's specimen. Like all agaves in containers, it is most at risk from agave snout weevil and mealybugs. Its small size means weevil damage can kill the entire plant very quickly. Monthly crown inspections and lean, well-drained soil are essential.

Larvae destroy the central tissue; the plant wilts suddenly and the rosette pulls apart at the base Remove and destroy infested plants immediately; preventive systemic soil drench in spring for prized specimens.

White fluffy clusters in the narrow leaf axils; honeydew and sooty mould on leaf surfaces Apply 70% isopropyl alcohol with a cotton swab; treat with diluted neem oil solution; isolate from other plants.

Adult gnats hover around soil; larvae damage fine feeder roots, causing poor growth in small pots Let soil dry completely between waterings; apply Bti drench; use sticky traps to monitor adult populations.