Pest identification
What's eating my euphorbia lactea 'white ghost'?
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony white clusters in the ridges and at the base; honeydew and sooty mould; stunted or shrivelled growth
Control: Dab with a cotton swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol (wear gloves — avoid sap); spray diluted neem oil; repeat weekly for 3–4 weeks
Spider mites
Signs: Tiny stippled silver or brown patches on the white/grey surface; faint webbing in dry conditions
Control: Increase humidity around the plant; spray insecticidal soap solution; ensure good air circulation to deter re-infestation
Scale insects
Signs: Hard brown or tan bumps along the ridges; localised yellowing or sunken pits in the stem
Control: Scrape off gently with a soft toothbrush (gloves required); apply horticultural oil; repeat after 10–14 days
Keep euphorbia lactea 'white ghost' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats crested euphorbia — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common euphorbia lactea 'white ghost' problems & fixes
- Euphorbia lactea 'White Ghost' watering schedule
- Euphorbia lactea 'White Ghost' light requirements
- Full euphorbia lactea 'white ghost' care guide
Euphorbia lactea 'White Ghost' pests — FAQ
What is eating my euphorbia lactea 'white ghost'?
Euphorbia lactea 'White Ghost' (white ghost euphorbia) is particularly vulnerable to mealybugs hiding in its crested ridges and to spider mites in dry air. Its lack of chlorophyll makes it more sensitive to pest stress. Handle with care — the white latex sap is a serious irritant and released whenever tissue is damaged during pest removal.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on euphorbia lactea 'white ghost'?
Cottony white clusters in the ridges and at the base; honeydew and sooty mould; stunted or shrivelled growth Dab with a cotton swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol (wear gloves — avoid sap); spray diluted neem oil; repeat weekly for 3–4 weeks
How do I get rid of spider mites on euphorbia lactea 'white ghost'?
Tiny stippled silver or brown patches on the white/grey surface; faint webbing in dry conditions Increase humidity around the plant; spray insecticidal soap solution; ensure good air circulation to deter re-infestation
How do I get rid of scale insects on euphorbia lactea 'white ghost'?
Hard brown or tan bumps along the ridges; localised yellowing or sunken pits in the stem Scrape off gently with a soft toothbrush (gloves required); apply horticultural oil; repeat after 10–14 days