Pest identification
What's eating my crassula setulosa?
Mealybugs
Signs: White fluffy deposits among the leaf bristles and at stem nodes; sticky residue; plant growth slows or stalls.
Control: Work 70% isopropyl alcohol into hairy leaf surfaces with a soft brush; follow with neem oil spray weekly for four weeks.
Spider mites
Signs: Pale spotting or a silvery cast to leaves; fine webbing between leaves; leaves drop in severe cases.
Control: Increase humidity around the plant; apply insecticidal soap; repeat every five days for three treatments.
Root mealybugs
Signs: Unexplained wilting and poor growth; white waxy powder on roots visible only on unpotting.
Control: Unpot, clean roots thoroughly, soak briefly in insecticidal soap solution, allow to dry fully, repot in sterile gritty compost.
Keep crassula setulosa pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Crassula Setulosa pests — FAQ
What is eating my crassula setulosa?
Crassula setulosa, a small hairy-leaved crassula, is most commonly attacked by mealybugs, which hide in its bristly, textured foliage. Spider mites can occur in warm, dry interiors. As with other small crassulas, root mealybugs are a hidden risk. The fine hairs make pests harder to spot — use a magnifying lens monthly.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on crassula setulosa?
White fluffy deposits among the leaf bristles and at stem nodes; sticky residue; plant growth slows or stalls. Work 70% isopropyl alcohol into hairy leaf surfaces with a soft brush; follow with neem oil spray weekly for four weeks.
How do I get rid of spider mites on crassula setulosa?
Pale spotting or a silvery cast to leaves; fine webbing between leaves; leaves drop in severe cases. Increase humidity around the plant; apply insecticidal soap; repeat every five days for three treatments.
How do I get rid of root mealybugs on crassula setulosa?
Unexplained wilting and poor growth; white waxy powder on roots visible only on unpotting. Unpot, clean roots thoroughly, soak briefly in insecticidal soap solution, allow to dry fully, repot in sterile gritty compost.