Pest identification
What's eating my candle plant?
Spider mites
Signs: Pale stippling on stem segments, fine webbing at joints; stems may shrivel or drop prematurely
Control: Wipe stems with a damp cloth to remove mites; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days; raise ambient humidity
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony wax at stem joints and leaf axils; honeydew leading to sooty mould; weakened growth
Control: Apply 70% isopropyl alcohol with a cotton swab directly on colonies; repeat neem oil sprays weekly until clear
Aphids
Signs: Soft green or black insects on succulent new shoot tips; distorted growth and sticky residue
Control: Knock off with a water spray; use insecticidal soap solution, treating every 2–3 days until the infestation resolves
Keep candle plant pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats candle plant — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What eats candle plant — our other guide for the same plant
- PictureThis alternatives — 7 plant ID apps compared
- Common candle plant problems & fixes
- Candle plant watering schedule
- Candle plant light requirements
- Full candle plant care guide
Candle plant pests — FAQ
What is eating my candle plant?
Candle plant (Senecio articulatus) is a succulent prone to spider mites and mealybugs, especially when grown indoors in dry conditions. Its segmented, waxy stems can obscure early pest activity. Aphids sometimes colonise soft new growth tips. Good air circulation and prompt isolation of affected plants limit spread.
How do I get rid of spider mites on candle plant?
Pale stippling on stem segments, fine webbing at joints; stems may shrivel or drop prematurely Wipe stems with a damp cloth to remove mites; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days; raise ambient humidity
How do I get rid of mealybugs on candle plant?
White cottony wax at stem joints and leaf axils; honeydew leading to sooty mould; weakened growth Apply 70% isopropyl alcohol with a cotton swab directly on colonies; repeat neem oil sprays weekly until clear
How do I get rid of aphids on candle plant?
Soft green or black insects on succulent new shoot tips; distorted growth and sticky residue Knock off with a water spray; use insecticidal soap solution, treating every 2–3 days until the infestation resolves