Pest identification
What's eating my dyckia leptostachya?
Scale insects
Signs: Waxy brown bumps along leaves and at the base; yellowing and reduced vigour
Control: Scrape off manually; wipe with isopropyl alcohol; use horticultural oil spray; repeat every 2 weeks
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony white residue in the tight leaf axils; leaves lose colour and dry at tips
Control: Target hiding spots with alcohol-soaked swabs; apply diluted neem oil; ensure good airflow to discourage reinfestation
Keep dyckia leptostachya pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Dyckia leptostachya pests — FAQ
What is eating my dyckia leptostachya?
Dyckia leptostachya is a tough, succulent-leaved terrestrial bromeliad that resists most pests. Its chief indoor threat is scale insects clustering at the leaf bases. Mealybugs are a secondary concern. Its spine-edged leaves also deter larger animals. Overwatering is far more lethal than any pest.
How do I get rid of scale insects on dyckia leptostachya?
Waxy brown bumps along leaves and at the base; yellowing and reduced vigour Scrape off manually; wipe with isopropyl alcohol; use horticultural oil spray; repeat every 2 weeks
How do I get rid of mealybugs on dyckia leptostachya?
Cottony white residue in the tight leaf axils; leaves lose colour and dry at tips Target hiding spots with alcohol-soaked swabs; apply diluted neem oil; ensure good airflow to discourage reinfestation