Pest identification
What's eating my echeveria 'ice green'?
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony white residue and yellowing at the rosette centre; sticky honeydew on leaves
Control: Swab with 70% isopropyl alcohol; spray with neem oil; remove badly affected lower leaves
Root mealybugs
Signs: Slow decline despite correct care; white powdery colonies on roots when plant is unpotted
Control: Unpot, rinse roots, soak in diluted neem or imidacloprid solution, repot in clean gritty compost
Vine weevil
Signs: Plant lifts easily from soil; white C-shaped grubs found consuming root and stem base
Control: Apply Steinernema kraussei nematode drench in spring; remove all visible grubs when repotting
Keep echeveria 'ice green' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Echeveria 'Ice Green' pests — FAQ
What is eating my echeveria 'ice green'?
Echeveria 'Ice Green' is a pastel-rosette succulent popular as a houseplant. Mealybugs are the primary pest, hiding deep in the tight rosette centre. Vine weevil grubs can destroy the root ball. Root mealybugs are a hidden risk in the potting mix. Regular inspection is the key defence.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on echeveria 'ice green'?
Cottony white residue and yellowing at the rosette centre; sticky honeydew on leaves Swab with 70% isopropyl alcohol; spray with neem oil; remove badly affected lower leaves
How do I get rid of root mealybugs on echeveria 'ice green'?
Slow decline despite correct care; white powdery colonies on roots when plant is unpotted Unpot, rinse roots, soak in diluted neem or imidacloprid solution, repot in clean gritty compost
How do I get rid of vine weevil on echeveria 'ice green'?
Plant lifts easily from soil; white C-shaped grubs found consuming root and stem base Apply Steinernema kraussei nematode drench in spring; remove all visible grubs when repotting