Pest identification
What's eating my baby toes?
Mealybugs
Signs: White waxy fluff at the base of finger-like leaves; yellowing or softening of affected toes
Control: Use alcohol on a cotton swab to target each colony; repeat every week until eliminated
Root mealybugs
Signs: Shrivelling toes despite adequate moisture; white powder discovered on roots when repotted
Control: Unpot, clean roots, treat with insecticidal soap drench, replant in very fast-draining mix
Spider mites
Signs: Subtle stippling on the flat windowed tops of leaves; fine webbing in severe cases
Control: Raise ambient humidity slightly, wipe with damp cloth, apply neem oil spray as needed
Keep baby toes pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Baby Toes pests — FAQ
What is eating my baby toes?
Baby Toes (Fenestaria aurantiaca) is a windowed mesemb grown indoors. Its compact clumping form hides mealybugs easily at the base of each 'toe'. Root mealybugs in overly moist soil are a serious risk. Spider mites can settle in dry heated rooms. Avoid overwatering and inspect the base of leaves monthly.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on baby toes?
White waxy fluff at the base of finger-like leaves; yellowing or softening of affected toes Use alcohol on a cotton swab to target each colony; repeat every week until eliminated
How do I get rid of root mealybugs on baby toes?
Shrivelling toes despite adequate moisture; white powder discovered on roots when repotted Unpot, clean roots, treat with insecticidal soap drench, replant in very fast-draining mix
How do I get rid of spider mites on baby toes?
Subtle stippling on the flat windowed tops of leaves; fine webbing in severe cases Raise ambient humidity slightly, wipe with damp cloth, apply neem oil spray as needed