Pest identification
What's eating my coryphantha macromeris?
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony white patches between and beneath tubercles; sticky honeydew; deformed new growth
Control: Treat with isopropyl alcohol swabs; spray with diluted neem oil or insecticidal soap; repeat every 7–10 days
Spider mites
Signs: Bronze or rusty speckling on the cactus surface; faint webbing in dry conditions
Control: Rinse with a fine water mist; apply insecticidal soap spray; increase humidity slightly and maintain airflow
Scale insects
Signs: Flat or dome-shaped brown scales on the cactus body; depressed or discoloured tissue beneath
Control: Scrub off with a soft toothbrush; apply horticultural oil spray; follow up in 10–14 days
Keep coryphantha macromeris pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Coryphantha macromeris pests — FAQ
What is eating my coryphantha macromeris?
Coryphantha macromeris (nipple beehive cactus) is prone to mealybugs nestled at the base of its prominent tubercles and to root rot if overwatered. Spider mites can colonise in hot, dry rooms. Its large tubercles create ample hiding spaces for pests, so check the undersides of each nipple-like protrusion during watering.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on coryphantha macromeris?
Cottony white patches between and beneath tubercles; sticky honeydew; deformed new growth Treat with isopropyl alcohol swabs; spray with diluted neem oil or insecticidal soap; repeat every 7–10 days
How do I get rid of spider mites on coryphantha macromeris?
Bronze or rusty speckling on the cactus surface; faint webbing in dry conditions Rinse with a fine water mist; apply insecticidal soap spray; increase humidity slightly and maintain airflow
How do I get rid of scale insects on coryphantha macromeris?
Flat or dome-shaped brown scales on the cactus body; depressed or discoloured tissue beneath Scrub off with a soft toothbrush; apply horticultural oil spray; follow up in 10–14 days