Pest identification
What's eating my echeveria 'minima'?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony wax hiding deep in the compact rosette; leaves shrivel and the centre rots if untreated
Control: Use a fine paintbrush dipped in isopropyl alcohol to reach deep into the rosette; follow with a diluted neem oil spray every 7 days
Spider mites
Signs: Microscopic stippling on tiny leaves; fine webbing spanning the rosette center in severe cases
Control: Spray with insecticidal soap or miticide; quarantine from other succulents; treat every 5–7 days for at least three applications
Fungus gnats
Signs: Larvae chew hairlike roots; plant fails to thrive despite correct care
Control: Allow soil to fully dry between waterings; apply Bti soil drench; place yellow sticky traps near the pot
Keep echeveria 'minima' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Echeveria 'Minima' pests — FAQ
What is eating my echeveria 'minima'?
Echeveria 'Minima' is one of the smallest Echeverias — a petite, tight rosette that is beloved by mealybugs due to its densely packed leaves. Its small size means a mealybug colony can overwhelm the plant quickly. Spider mites and fungus gnats are secondary concerns. Check weekly with a magnifying glass.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on echeveria 'minima'?
White cottony wax hiding deep in the compact rosette; leaves shrivel and the centre rots if untreated Use a fine paintbrush dipped in isopropyl alcohol to reach deep into the rosette; follow with a diluted neem oil spray every 7 days
How do I get rid of spider mites on echeveria 'minima'?
Microscopic stippling on tiny leaves; fine webbing spanning the rosette center in severe cases Spray with insecticidal soap or miticide; quarantine from other succulents; treat every 5–7 days for at least three applications
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on echeveria 'minima'?
Larvae chew hairlike roots; plant fails to thrive despite correct care Allow soil to fully dry between waterings; apply Bti soil drench; place yellow sticky traps near the pot