Pest identification
What's eating my euphorbia decaryi?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony fluff in leaf axils and along stems; sticky honeydew residue; plant weakens and leaves yellow
Control: Dab visible bugs with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol; spray the whole plant with neem oil solution; repeat every 7 days for 3 weeks
Spider mites
Signs: Tiny stippled or bronzed patches on leaf surfaces; fine webbing between leaves in severe infestations
Control: Increase humidity around the plant; spray with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil, covering leaf undersides; repeat weekly until clear
Scale insects
Signs: Hard or waxy brown bumps on stems; yellowing foliage; sticky honeydew attracting sooty mould
Control: Scrape off scales with a soft toothbrush; apply 70% isopropyl alcohol with a cotton swab; follow up with a neem oil spray every 10 days
Keep euphorbia decaryi pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Euphorbia decaryi pests — FAQ
What is eating my euphorbia decaryi?
Euphorbia decaryi, a compact Madagascan succulent, is most threatened indoors by mealybugs sheltering in its corrugated leaf folds. Spider mites and scale insects also attack during dry conditions. Its toxic milky latex deters most casual pests, but sap-suckers still target it. Inspect crevices regularly and treat early.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on euphorbia decaryi?
White cottony fluff in leaf axils and along stems; sticky honeydew residue; plant weakens and leaves yellow Dab visible bugs with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol; spray the whole plant with neem oil solution; repeat every 7 days for 3 weeks
How do I get rid of spider mites on euphorbia decaryi?
Tiny stippled or bronzed patches on leaf surfaces; fine webbing between leaves in severe infestations Increase humidity around the plant; spray with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil, covering leaf undersides; repeat weekly until clear
How do I get rid of scale insects on euphorbia decaryi?
Hard or waxy brown bumps on stems; yellowing foliage; sticky honeydew attracting sooty mould Scrape off scales with a soft toothbrush; apply 70% isopropyl alcohol with a cotton swab; follow up with a neem oil spray every 10 days