Pest identification
What's eating my agave victoriae-reginae 'compacta'?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony fluff deep in the tightly packed leaves; sticky secretions; affected leaves may yellow
Control: Use a thin artist's brush dipped in isopropyl alcohol to reach deep crevices; spray with neem oil; repeat every 7 days
Scale insects
Signs: Hard, dome-shaped brown bumps on leaf surfaces; reduced vigour; honeydew and sooty mould
Control: Dislodge physically with a toothbrush; apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil on a 7-10 day rotation
Agave snout weevil (Scyphophorus acupunctatus)
Signs: Collapse of the central growing point; putrid smell; grubs at the base of the plant
Control: Destroy affected plants; use systemic imidacloprid preventively for outdoor plants in spring
Keep agave victoriae-reginae 'compacta' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats agave victoriae-reginae — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common agave victoriae-reginae 'compacta' problems & fixes
- Agave victoriae-reginae 'Compacta' watering schedule
- Agave victoriae-reginae 'Compacta' light requirements
- Full agave victoriae-reginae 'compacta' care guide
Agave victoriae-reginae 'Compacta' pests — FAQ
What is eating my agave victoriae-reginae 'compacta'?
Agave victoriae-reginae 'Compacta' is a slow-growing, very tight-rosette agave that is one of the most pest-resistant houseplant agaves. Mealybugs occasionally hide in the densely packed leaf axils. Scale insects can attach to the hard leaves. Overwatering causing root rot is often more damaging than any pest.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on agave victoriae-reginae 'compacta'?
White cottony fluff deep in the tightly packed leaves; sticky secretions; affected leaves may yellow Use a thin artist's brush dipped in isopropyl alcohol to reach deep crevices; spray with neem oil; repeat every 7 days
How do I get rid of scale insects on agave victoriae-reginae 'compacta'?
Hard, dome-shaped brown bumps on leaf surfaces; reduced vigour; honeydew and sooty mould Dislodge physically with a toothbrush; apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil on a 7-10 day rotation
How do I get rid of agave snout weevil (scyphophorus acupunctatus) on agave victoriae-reginae 'compacta'?
Collapse of the central growing point; putrid smell; grubs at the base of the plant Destroy affected plants; use systemic imidacloprid preventively for outdoor plants in spring