Pest identification
What's eating my buddha's temple?
Mealybugs
Signs: White waxy fluff hidden deep between stacked leaf layers; weakens the column and causes leaf discolouration.
Control: Use a narrow cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to reach between leaves; follow with a neem oil drench.
Scale insects
Signs: Flat brown or yellow bumps on stem surfaces; sticky exudate and eventual stem dieback.
Control: Scrape off manually with a toothpick or soft brush; treat with horticultural oil; repeat after 14 days.
Root mealybugs
Signs: White mealy coating on roots; plant looks pale and fails to thrive despite correct watering.
Control: Unpot, clean roots thoroughly, soak briefly in neem solution, air-dry, and repot in fresh well-draining mix.
Keep buddha's temple pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Buddha's Temple pests — FAQ
What is eating my buddha's temple?
Buddha's Temple Crassula is primarily threatened indoors by mealybugs tucked between its tightly stacked leaves, where they are difficult to spot. Scale insects can also attach to stems. Its dense column-like structure creates hidden refuges for pests. Inspect the leaf crevices regularly. Mealybugs are by far the most common pest.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on buddha's temple?
White waxy fluff hidden deep between stacked leaf layers; weakens the column and causes leaf discolouration. Use a narrow cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to reach between leaves; follow with a neem oil drench.
How do I get rid of scale insects on buddha's temple?
Flat brown or yellow bumps on stem surfaces; sticky exudate and eventual stem dieback. Scrape off manually with a toothpick or soft brush; treat with horticultural oil; repeat after 14 days.
How do I get rid of root mealybugs on buddha's temple?
White mealy coating on roots; plant looks pale and fails to thrive despite correct watering. Unpot, clean roots thoroughly, soak briefly in neem solution, air-dry, and repot in fresh well-draining mix.