Pest identification
What's eating my dyckia marnier-lapostollei?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony deposits at leaf bases and root crown; weakened growth, yellowing leaf tips
Control: Dab colonies with isopropyl alcohol; drench base of rosette with neem oil solution; repeat every 10–14 days
Scale insects
Signs: Small raised bumps on leaves and stems; honeydew secretion attracts sooty mold
Control: Remove manually with a soft brush and alcohol wipe; follow with neem oil spray; isolate from other succulents
Root mealybugs
Signs: Slow decline and poor water uptake; white waxy coating visible on roots at repotting
Control: Bare-root the plant, rinse thoroughly, repot in sterilised gritty compost, apply diluted systemic drench
Keep dyckia marnier-lapostollei pest-free
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Dyckia marnier-lapostollei pests — FAQ
What is eating my dyckia marnier-lapostollei?
Dyckia marnier-lapostollei is a silver-leaved terrestrial bromeliad grown mainly as an indoor or greenhouse specimen. Mealybugs are its chief pest, sheltering deep between the serrated leaves. Scale insects appear occasionally on stems. Its tough, waxy foliage gives some natural resistance, but dense clumps still harbour sap-sucking insects.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on dyckia marnier-lapostollei?
White cottony deposits at leaf bases and root crown; weakened growth, yellowing leaf tips Dab colonies with isopropyl alcohol; drench base of rosette with neem oil solution; repeat every 10–14 days
How do I get rid of scale insects on dyckia marnier-lapostollei?
Small raised bumps on leaves and stems; honeydew secretion attracts sooty mold Remove manually with a soft brush and alcohol wipe; follow with neem oil spray; isolate from other succulents
How do I get rid of root mealybugs on dyckia marnier-lapostollei?
Slow decline and poor water uptake; white waxy coating visible on roots at repotting Bare-root the plant, rinse thoroughly, repot in sterilised gritty compost, apply diluted systemic drench