Pest identification
What's eating my burchard's caralluma?
Mealybugs
Signs: White woolly deposits at stem ridges and joints; stems yellow, shrivel, or develop soft spots
Control: Apply 70% isopropyl alcohol with a cotton swab; treat every 7 days until all signs are gone
Root mealybugs
Signs: Unexplained wilting in a plant that is not overwatered; waxy white coating on roots
Control: Unpot, rinse roots thoroughly, soak in dilute insecticidal soap, dry and repot in fresh mineral mix
Spider mites
Signs: Fine pale stippling along stem surfaces; delicate webbing under hot, arid conditions
Control: Increase ventilation and humidity around the plant, wipe stems, apply neem oil spray if needed
Keep burchard's caralluma pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Burchard's Caralluma pests — FAQ
What is eating my burchard's caralluma?
Burchard's Caralluma (Caralluma burchardii) is an indoor stapeliad succulent. Mealybugs are the most common pest, congregating in the angled stem joints. Root mealybugs develop readily in wet conditions. Spider mites can appear on stems in hot, dry indoor air. Keep it in a bright, well-ventilated spot and inspect stems monthly.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on burchard's caralluma?
White woolly deposits at stem ridges and joints; stems yellow, shrivel, or develop soft spots Apply 70% isopropyl alcohol with a cotton swab; treat every 7 days until all signs are gone
How do I get rid of root mealybugs on burchard's caralluma?
Unexplained wilting in a plant that is not overwatered; waxy white coating on roots Unpot, rinse roots thoroughly, soak in dilute insecticidal soap, dry and repot in fresh mineral mix
How do I get rid of spider mites on burchard's caralluma?
Fine pale stippling along stem surfaces; delicate webbing under hot, arid conditions Increase ventilation and humidity around the plant, wipe stems, apply neem oil spray if needed