Pest identification
What's eating my crassula pyramidalis?
Mealybugs
Signs: White waxy fluff hidden deep between stacked leaves; honeydew may not be visible until infestation is advanced; growth stalls.
Control: Use a thin artist's brush dipped in isopropyl alcohol to reach between leaf layers; spray with neem oil; repeat weekly for a month.
Root mealybugs
Signs: White powdery residue on roots; wilting despite correct watering; slow or absent growth.
Control: Unpot, rinse roots, soak briefly in dilute neem solution, allow to dry, then repot in fresh cactus compost.
Spider mites
Signs: Pale speckling on the tiny exposed leaf surfaces; fine webbing in dry conditions; leaves dry at tips.
Control: Wipe accessible surfaces; apply insecticidal soap spray; increase ambient humidity slightly and improve air flow.
Keep crassula pyramidalis pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Crassula Pyramidalis pests — FAQ
What is eating my crassula pyramidalis?
Crassula pyramidalis (pagoda plant) stacks its leaves so tightly that mealybugs can establish almost invisibly deep in the column. This is by far the greatest pest threat. Spider mites can also appear on the leaf surfaces. Root mealybugs occasionally infest the compost. Regular inspection with a magnifying glass is essential.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on crassula pyramidalis?
White waxy fluff hidden deep between stacked leaves; honeydew may not be visible until infestation is advanced; growth stalls. Use a thin artist's brush dipped in isopropyl alcohol to reach between leaf layers; spray with neem oil; repeat weekly for a month.
How do I get rid of root mealybugs on crassula pyramidalis?
White powdery residue on roots; wilting despite correct watering; slow or absent growth. Unpot, rinse roots, soak briefly in dilute neem solution, allow to dry, then repot in fresh cactus compost.
How do I get rid of spider mites on crassula pyramidalis?
Pale speckling on the tiny exposed leaf surfaces; fine webbing in dry conditions; leaves dry at tips. Wipe accessible surfaces; apply insecticidal soap spray; increase ambient humidity slightly and improve air flow.