Pest identification
What's eating my euphorbia mammillaris?
Mealybugs
Signs: White fluffy deposits in the ridges and at the crown; honeydew and sticky residue; stunted growth
Control: Treat with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab (gloves recommended); spray neem oil solution; repeat every 7–10 days until clear
Spider mites
Signs: Bronze or silver stippling on the stem surface; fine webbing when infestations are heavy
Control: Spray insecticidal soap solution; increase airflow; slightly raise humidity to discourage mites; repeat weekly for 3 treatments
Scale insects
Signs: Flat brown or grey waxy shields on ribs; localised yellowing or sunken areas below the scales
Control: Scrape off manually with a soft toothbrush; apply horticultural oil; treat again 10–14 days later for crawlers
Keep euphorbia mammillaris pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Euphorbia mammillaris pests — FAQ
What is eating my euphorbia mammillaris?
Euphorbia mammillaris (Indian corn cob euphorbia) faces mealybugs and spider mites as its most frequent houseplant pests, often hiding in the shallow spine-studded ridges. Scale insects are an occasional issue. Treat carefully — the milky latex sap is a skin and eye irritant. Root rot from overwatering is more commonly fatal than any pest.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on euphorbia mammillaris?
White fluffy deposits in the ridges and at the crown; honeydew and sticky residue; stunted growth Treat with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab (gloves recommended); spray neem oil solution; repeat every 7–10 days until clear
How do I get rid of spider mites on euphorbia mammillaris?
Bronze or silver stippling on the stem surface; fine webbing when infestations are heavy Spray insecticidal soap solution; increase airflow; slightly raise humidity to discourage mites; repeat weekly for 3 treatments
How do I get rid of scale insects on euphorbia mammillaris?
Flat brown or grey waxy shields on ribs; localised yellowing or sunken areas below the scales Scrape off manually with a soft toothbrush; apply horticultural oil; treat again 10–14 days later for crawlers