What's eating my agave palmeri?

Agave palmeri is a large, architectural agave that works as a dramatic houseplant or patio specimen. Agave snout weevil is its most dangerous enemy, capable of destroying the plant in weeks. Mealybugs congregate in leaf axils and scale insects can appear on mature lower leaves. Good air movement and prompt inspection prevent most infestations.

Burrowing larvae cause rapid crown rot; the central spike wilts and leaves detach easily Inspect base of leaves regularly; discard infested plants; use preventive imidacloprid soil drench in spring.

White cottony colonies at the base of leaf rosettes; sticky honeydew drips down onto lower leaves Wipe with alcohol-soaked cotton; spray neem oil into axils; repeat every 7–10 days until eradicated.

Waxy brown bumps on leaf undersides; slow yellowing and reduced vigour Scrape off manually; apply horticultural oil; ensure the pot location has good airflow.