Pest identification
What's eating my echeveria 'dondo'?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony wax in leaf axils; stunted growth and yellowing of lower leaves
Control: Dab individual bugs with isopropyl alcohol; spray entire plant with diluted neem oil weekly until no sign of infestation remains
Fungus gnats
Signs: Adults hover around soil; larvae damage fine feeder roots, slowing growth
Control: Let the top 2 inches of soil dry out fully before re-watering; apply Bti (mosquito dunks dissolved in water) as a soil drench
Spider mites
Signs: Bronze or silvery stippling across leaf faces; papery texture at leaf tips
Control: Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove mites; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray every 5–7 days for three treatments
Keep echeveria 'dondo' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Echeveria 'Dondo' pests — FAQ
What is eating my echeveria 'dondo'?
Echeveria 'Dondo' is a small, cold-tolerant rosette succulent. Mealybugs are its most common indoor pest, sheltering in tight leaf axils. Fungus gnats thrive if soil stays wet. Spider mites can attack in warm, dry rooms. Vigilant watering discipline prevents most of these problems from taking hold.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on echeveria 'dondo'?
White cottony wax in leaf axils; stunted growth and yellowing of lower leaves Dab individual bugs with isopropyl alcohol; spray entire plant with diluted neem oil weekly until no sign of infestation remains
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on echeveria 'dondo'?
Adults hover around soil; larvae damage fine feeder roots, slowing growth Let the top 2 inches of soil dry out fully before re-watering; apply Bti (mosquito dunks dissolved in water) as a soil drench
How do I get rid of spider mites on echeveria 'dondo'?
Bronze or silvery stippling across leaf faces; papery texture at leaf tips Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove mites; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray every 5–7 days for three treatments