Pest identification
What's eating my agave titanota?
Scale insects
Signs: Hard raised bumps along leaves; yellowing tissue and sticky deposits beneath the pest
Control: Scrub off with a soft brush and alcohol; follow with neem or horticultural oil; isolate from other plants
Mealybugs
Signs: Fluffy white colonies at the base of spines and in leaf axils; weakened, off-colour leaves
Control: Dab with isopropyl alcohol; spray diluted neem oil; repeat every 7 days for a month
Root mealybugs
Signs: Unexplained wilting or stalled growth; white waxy coating on roots found at repotting
Control: Remove from pot, rinse roots thoroughly, treat with neem soil drench, and repot in sterile mix
Keep agave titanota pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Agave titanota pests — FAQ
What is eating my agave titanota?
Agave titanota is a prized collector's houseplant agave that attracts scale insects and mealybugs in its bold leaf margins and axils. Root mealybugs are a hidden risk in dry, well-draining mixes. Inspect every month and treat immediately with isopropyl alcohol and neem oil to protect this slow-growing specimen.
How do I get rid of scale insects on agave titanota?
Hard raised bumps along leaves; yellowing tissue and sticky deposits beneath the pest Scrub off with a soft brush and alcohol; follow with neem or horticultural oil; isolate from other plants
How do I get rid of mealybugs on agave titanota?
Fluffy white colonies at the base of spines and in leaf axils; weakened, off-colour leaves Dab with isopropyl alcohol; spray diluted neem oil; repeat every 7 days for a month
How do I get rid of root mealybugs on agave titanota?
Unexplained wilting or stalled growth; white waxy coating on roots found at repotting Remove from pot, rinse roots thoroughly, treat with neem soil drench, and repot in sterile mix