Pest identification
What's eating my euphorbia ferox?
Mealybugs
Signs: White powdery wax hidden under spine clusters and in deep rib grooves; affected areas may yellow or soften.
Control: Use a fine artist's brush dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol to reach under the spines; follow up with diluted neem oil.
Spider mites
Signs: Fine webbing in the rib channels and pale yellow speckling on the stem surface; worse in heated, dry rooms.
Control: Increase humidity, gently clean the stem surface with a damp cloth, and apply insecticidal soap; repeat weekly.
Keep euphorbia ferox pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Euphorbia ferox pests — FAQ
What is eating my euphorbia ferox?
Euphorbia ferox is a compact, heavily spined South African succulent that resists most pests well. Mealybugs are the main risk, hiding beneath the dense spine clusters. Spider mites can settle on the stem surface in dry indoor air. Check the rib grooves and spine bases carefully each month.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on euphorbia ferox?
White powdery wax hidden under spine clusters and in deep rib grooves; affected areas may yellow or soften. Use a fine artist's brush dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol to reach under the spines; follow up with diluted neem oil.
How do I get rid of spider mites on euphorbia ferox?
Fine webbing in the rib channels and pale yellow speckling on the stem surface; worse in heated, dry rooms. Increase humidity, gently clean the stem surface with a damp cloth, and apply insecticidal soap; repeat weekly.