Pest identification
What's eating my conophytum ficiforme?
Mealybugs
Signs: White woolly deposits between and beneath the plant bodies; sticky residue; bodies wither and collapse
Control: Dab with alcohol swab carefully between bodies; spray neem oil solution; repeat treatment every 7–10 days
Root mealybugs
Signs: Sudden decline and withering despite correct dormancy/watering cycle; white wax on roots at repotting
Control: Remove old soil, treat bare roots with insecticidal drench, dry roots briefly, repot in sharp gritty mix
Spider mites
Signs: Pale spotting on the plant body surfaces; faint webbing in hot, dry conditions
Control: Gently wipe surfaces with damp cloth; apply dilute insecticidal soap; improve air circulation
Keep conophytum ficiforme pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Conophytum ficiforme pests — FAQ
What is eating my conophytum ficiforme?
Conophytum ficiforme is a South African mesemb (living stone relative) grown indoors. Mealybugs are its biggest pest threat, hiding between the paired succulent bodies. Root mealybugs and spider mites cause damage during dry indoor summers. During dormancy, avoid watering — wet soil invites fungus gnats and rot.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on conophytum ficiforme?
White woolly deposits between and beneath the plant bodies; sticky residue; bodies wither and collapse Dab with alcohol swab carefully between bodies; spray neem oil solution; repeat treatment every 7–10 days
How do I get rid of root mealybugs on conophytum ficiforme?
Sudden decline and withering despite correct dormancy/watering cycle; white wax on roots at repotting Remove old soil, treat bare roots with insecticidal drench, dry roots briefly, repot in sharp gritty mix
How do I get rid of spider mites on conophytum ficiforme?
Pale spotting on the plant body surfaces; faint webbing in hot, dry conditions Gently wipe surfaces with damp cloth; apply dilute insecticidal soap; improve air circulation