What's eating my agave shrevei?

Agave shrevei is a large, grey-green agave from the Mexican Sierra Madre, cultivated as a bold houseplant or conservatory plant. Agave snout weevil poses the greatest threat, while mealybugs and scale insects exploit the leaf axils and undersides. Consistent dry conditions and monthly inspections keep this specimen healthy year-round.

Larval tunnelling kills the meristem; the plant collapses inward with rotting at the base Discard and destroy infested plants; apply preventive systemic insecticide drench in spring before weevil flight season.

Fluffy white colonies in the leaf axils and on new growth; honeydew coats lower leaf surfaces Apply alcohol directly to colonies; spray neem oil solution into the rosette; repeat every 7–10 days.

Hard, disc-like shields on the upper and lower leaf surfaces; yellowish halos around each scale Scrub off with a soft brush; apply horticultural oil spray; inspect monthly and retreat as needed.