Pest identification
What's eating my crassula rupestris?
Mealybugs
Signs: White waxy clusters between bead-like leaf pairs and along trailing stems; honeydew; stunted growth.
Control: Dab colonies with isopropyl alcohol; spray the whole plant with dilute neem oil weekly for 4 weeks; isolate if needed.
Spider mites
Signs: Pale flecking on leaf surfaces; fine webbing between leaves; foliage takes on a grey, dull appearance.
Control: Wipe leaves; improve air circulation; apply insecticidal soap every 5–7 days until mites are eliminated.
Root mealybugs
Signs: White powdery deposits on roots and compost surface; unexplained wilting; stunted growth despite good care.
Control: Unpot and inspect roots; wash off insects; treat with neem drench; repot in clean, dry succulent compost.
Keep crassula rupestris pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Crassula Rupestris pests — FAQ
What is eating my crassula rupestris?
Crassula rupestris (rosary plant / baby's necklace) is a trailing succulent where mealybugs are the most consistent indoor pest, hiding between its bead-like paired leaves. Spider mites attack in dry heated rooms. Root mealybugs can infest the soil unseen. Aphids sometimes target the small flower clusters when in bloom.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on crassula rupestris?
White waxy clusters between bead-like leaf pairs and along trailing stems; honeydew; stunted growth. Dab colonies with isopropyl alcohol; spray the whole plant with dilute neem oil weekly for 4 weeks; isolate if needed.
How do I get rid of spider mites on crassula rupestris?
Pale flecking on leaf surfaces; fine webbing between leaves; foliage takes on a grey, dull appearance. Wipe leaves; improve air circulation; apply insecticidal soap every 5–7 days until mites are eliminated.
How do I get rid of root mealybugs on crassula rupestris?
White powdery deposits on roots and compost surface; unexplained wilting; stunted growth despite good care. Unpot and inspect roots; wash off insects; treat with neem drench; repot in clean, dry succulent compost.