Pest identification
What's eating my cotyledon eliseae?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony masses in leaf axils and on stems; sticky honeydew residue
Control: Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; spray with diluted neem oil; repeat every 7 days
Spider mites
Signs: Fine webbing on undersides of leaves; stippled, silvery leaf surface
Control: Wipe leaves with a damp cloth; apply insecticidal soap spray; increase humidity slightly and improve airflow
Vine weevil larvae
Signs: Unexplained wilting despite correct watering; roots eaten off at soil level
Control: Knock plant from pot and inspect roots; apply Steinernema kraussei nematodes to moist compost in late summer
Keep cotyledon eliseae pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Cotyledon Eliseae pests — FAQ
What is eating my cotyledon eliseae?
Cotyledon Eliseae is most threatened by mealybugs, which hide in leaf axils and coat the plant in white fluff. Spider mites and vine weevil larvae can also strike. Inspect weekly, isolate new plants, and treat early infestations with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab or neem oil spray.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on cotyledon eliseae?
White cottony masses in leaf axils and on stems; sticky honeydew residue Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; spray with diluted neem oil; repeat every 7 days
How do I get rid of spider mites on cotyledon eliseae?
Fine webbing on undersides of leaves; stippled, silvery leaf surface Wipe leaves with a damp cloth; apply insecticidal soap spray; increase humidity slightly and improve airflow
How do I get rid of vine weevil larvae on cotyledon eliseae?
Unexplained wilting despite correct watering; roots eaten off at soil level Knock plant from pot and inspect roots; apply Steinernema kraussei nematodes to moist compost in late summer