What's eating my agave schidigera?

Agave schidigera, the thread-leaf agave, has long fibrous filaments curling from its leaf margins — ideal hiding spots for mealybugs and spider mites. Agave snout weevil remains the top threat overall. Check carefully among the white threads during monthly inspections, as populations can grow unseen before causing visible leaf damage.

Crown tissue destroyed by larvae; sudden wilting and easy detachment of leaves at the base Remove affected plants; preventive systemic soil drench in spring; avoid over-fertilising which stresses plants.

White cottony masses tangled among the leaf filaments and inside the axils Use a fine brush dipped in isopropyl alcohol to treat among the threads; follow with neem oil spray.

Fine webbing caught in the leaf filaments; silvery stippling on leaf surfaces in dry indoor conditions Increase air humidity; mist the plant (avoiding the crown in low-light conditions); apply neem oil or insecticidal soap.