Pest identification
What's eating my cotyledon orbiculata?
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony white masses at leaf bases and stem axils; farina disrupted; honeydew deposits; stunted growth
Control: Dab with alcohol swab; follow with neem oil spray taking care not to damage farina; isolate plant during treatment
Scale insects
Signs: Flat brown shells on stems and leaf undersides; yellowing; weakened overall vigour
Control: Pick off manually then apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 10 days; check undersides thoroughly
Spider mites
Signs: Fine webbing on stem tips; pale stippling on leaf surfaces; damage worst in warm, dry indoor conditions
Control: Remove webbing with a damp cloth; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray; improve air circulation
Keep cotyledon orbiculata pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Cotyledon Orbiculata pests — FAQ
What is eating my cotyledon orbiculata?
Cotyledon Orbiculata is most frequently troubled by mealybugs, which exploit the powdery farina-coated leaves and stem joints. Scale insects and spider mites are secondary threats indoors. Act at first sign — the waxy leaf coating can obscure early infestations — and use alcohol or neem rather than water blasting.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on cotyledon orbiculata?
Cottony white masses at leaf bases and stem axils; farina disrupted; honeydew deposits; stunted growth Dab with alcohol swab; follow with neem oil spray taking care not to damage farina; isolate plant during treatment
How do I get rid of scale insects on cotyledon orbiculata?
Flat brown shells on stems and leaf undersides; yellowing; weakened overall vigour Pick off manually then apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 10 days; check undersides thoroughly
How do I get rid of spider mites on cotyledon orbiculata?
Fine webbing on stem tips; pale stippling on leaf surfaces; damage worst in warm, dry indoor conditions Remove webbing with a damp cloth; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray; improve air circulation