Pest identification
What's eating my echeveria 'orion'?
Mealybugs
Signs: Waxy white cottony deposits in leaf axils; leaves pucker and develop yellow patches as sap is drained
Control: Remove visible bugs with an alcohol-dipped swab; spray the whole plant with 70% isopropyl or neem oil solution; repeat weekly for a month
Spider mites
Signs: Tiny stippled silvery dots on leaf surfaces; fine webbing visible in severe infestations
Control: Wipe leaves with a damp cloth; apply insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil; increase humidity slightly around the plant
Fungus gnats
Signs: Small flies around soil; larvae chew fine roots, causing wilting in seedlings or stressed plants
Control: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; use yellow sticky traps for adults; drench soil with Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti)
Keep echeveria 'orion' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Echeveria 'Orion' pests — FAQ
What is eating my echeveria 'orion'?
Echeveria 'Orion' is a compact rosette succulent most threatened by mealybugs, which shelter inside the tight leaf folds. Overwatering invites fungus gnats. Spider mites can appear in hot, dry indoor air. Keep it in bright light with good airflow and these problems stay rare.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on echeveria 'orion'?
Waxy white cottony deposits in leaf axils; leaves pucker and develop yellow patches as sap is drained Remove visible bugs with an alcohol-dipped swab; spray the whole plant with 70% isopropyl or neem oil solution; repeat weekly for a month
How do I get rid of spider mites on echeveria 'orion'?
Tiny stippled silvery dots on leaf surfaces; fine webbing visible in severe infestations Wipe leaves with a damp cloth; apply insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil; increase humidity slightly around the plant
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on echeveria 'orion'?
Small flies around soil; larvae chew fine roots, causing wilting in seedlings or stressed plants Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; use yellow sticky traps for adults; drench soil with Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti)