Pest identification
What's eating my cigarette plant?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony masses wedged between leaf pairs; leaves may discolour or collapse
Control: Apply isopropyl alcohol with a cotton swab directly to colonies; isolate plant and repeat weekly
Root mealybugs
Signs: Slow decline, limp leaves despite dry conditions; white wax on roots at repotting
Control: Remove plant from pot, wash roots, soak briefly in insecticidal soap solution, repot in fresh mix
Aphids
Signs: Soft-bodied insects clustered on emerging growth tips; sticky honeydew residue
Control: Blast off with a gentle water stream; apply insecticidal soap spray if colonies persist
Keep cigarette plant pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Cigarette Plant pests — FAQ
What is eating my cigarette plant?
Cigarette Plant (Cheiridopsis cigarettifera) is a finger-shaped South African mesemb kept indoors. Mealybugs are the main enemy, hiding between paired leaves. Root mealybugs thrive in stale, moist soil. Aphids occasionally colonise new growth during spring. Keep it dry, well-ventilated, and check leaf junctions each month.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on cigarette plant?
White cottony masses wedged between leaf pairs; leaves may discolour or collapse Apply isopropyl alcohol with a cotton swab directly to colonies; isolate plant and repeat weekly
How do I get rid of root mealybugs on cigarette plant?
Slow decline, limp leaves despite dry conditions; white wax on roots at repotting Remove plant from pot, wash roots, soak briefly in insecticidal soap solution, repot in fresh mix
How do I get rid of aphids on cigarette plant?
Soft-bodied insects clustered on emerging growth tips; sticky honeydew residue Blast off with a gentle water stream; apply insecticidal soap spray if colonies persist