Pest identification
What's eating my euphorbia esculenta?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony wax at spine bases and around the caudex neck; severe infestations cause yellowing and soft patches.
Control: Apply 70% isopropyl alcohol with a fine brush to all visible colonies; follow with neem oil spray and repeat after 10 days.
Root mealybugs
Signs: Unexplained wilting or no new growth in the growing season; white wax on root surfaces when inspected.
Control: Unpot the plant, wash and inspect roots, treat with diluted neem drench, dry thoroughly, then repot in fresh gritty mix.
Spider mites
Signs: Pale speckling on the green stem body and faint webbing near spine areoles in dry conditions.
Control: Improve humidity, apply insecticidal soap spray weekly for three applications, and check for re-infestation.
Keep euphorbia esculenta pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Euphorbia esculenta pests — FAQ
What is eating my euphorbia esculenta?
Euphorbia esculenta is a spiny, globose South African succulent with a thick caudex. Mealybugs are the primary indoor pest, hiding at spine bases and the caudex neck. Root mealybugs can go unnoticed until growth stalls. Spider mites are a secondary risk in dry indoor conditions.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on euphorbia esculenta?
White cottony wax at spine bases and around the caudex neck; severe infestations cause yellowing and soft patches. Apply 70% isopropyl alcohol with a fine brush to all visible colonies; follow with neem oil spray and repeat after 10 days.
How do I get rid of root mealybugs on euphorbia esculenta?
Unexplained wilting or no new growth in the growing season; white wax on root surfaces when inspected. Unpot the plant, wash and inspect roots, treat with diluted neem drench, dry thoroughly, then repot in fresh gritty mix.
How do I get rid of spider mites on euphorbia esculenta?
Pale speckling on the green stem body and faint webbing near spine areoles in dry conditions. Improve humidity, apply insecticidal soap spray weekly for three applications, and check for re-infestation.