Pest identification
What's eating my agave pelona?
Agave snout weevil (Scyphophorus acupunctatus)
Signs: Larvae destroy the growing crown; wilting and a foul odour at the base indicate an active infestation
Control: Remove and discard infested plants; apply preventive systemic insecticide soil drench in early spring.
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony white clumps at the base of the smooth leaves and in the central cone
Control: Treat with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton pad; apply neem oil spray; isolate the plant immediately.
Soft scale
Signs: Brownish waxy bumps on the upper or lower leaf surface; sticky deposits below affected areas
Control: Scrape off carefully; apply horticultural oil spray; check surrounding plants for spread.
Keep agave pelona pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Agave pelona pests — FAQ
What is eating my agave pelona?
Agave pelona, the peeled agave, is a smooth-edged Mexican species grown as an indoor accent. Its lack of marginal teeth does not deter mealybugs or agave snout weevil. Scale insects can also appear on its smooth leaf surfaces. Because damage is easier to spot on clean leaves, early intervention is very achievable with this species.
How do I get rid of agave snout weevil (scyphophorus acupunctatus) on agave pelona?
Larvae destroy the growing crown; wilting and a foul odour at the base indicate an active infestation Remove and discard infested plants; apply preventive systemic insecticide soil drench in early spring.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on agave pelona?
Cottony white clumps at the base of the smooth leaves and in the central cone Treat with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton pad; apply neem oil spray; isolate the plant immediately.
How do I get rid of soft scale on agave pelona?
Brownish waxy bumps on the upper or lower leaf surface; sticky deposits below affected areas Scrape off carefully; apply horticultural oil spray; check surrounding plants for spread.