Pest identification
What's eating my euphorbia meloformis?
Mealybugs
Signs: White woolly clusters in the rib furrows and at the growing crown; feeding causes discolouration, soft spots, and stunted growth
Control: Apply 70% isopropyl alcohol with a fine cotton bud into each groove; follow with neem oil spray; wear gloves to avoid latex contact
Root mealybugs
Signs: Waxy white coating on roots; plant wilts or fails to grow despite adequate watering; often discovered only on repotting
Control: Remove all soil, rinse roots thoroughly, soak briefly in insecticidal soap solution, repot in fresh sterile gritty mix; drench with neem
Scale insects
Signs: Flat brown or yellow-tan bumps on ribs; produce honeydew that darkens the surface and attracts sooty mould
Control: Scrape off with a toothpick or soft brush; treat with horticultural oil; wear gloves to protect skin from latex during treatment
Keep euphorbia meloformis pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Euphorbia meloformis pests — FAQ
What is eating my euphorbia meloformis?
Euphorbia meloformis (melon spurge) is a compact, ribbed houseplant succulent most troubled by mealybugs wedged in its rib grooves. Root mealybugs attack below compost level. Scale insects and spider mites are secondary pests. Handle with care — its latex sap is toxic and a skin/eye irritant when treating infestations.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on euphorbia meloformis?
White woolly clusters in the rib furrows and at the growing crown; feeding causes discolouration, soft spots, and stunted growth Apply 70% isopropyl alcohol with a fine cotton bud into each groove; follow with neem oil spray; wear gloves to avoid latex contact
How do I get rid of root mealybugs on euphorbia meloformis?
Waxy white coating on roots; plant wilts or fails to grow despite adequate watering; often discovered only on repotting Remove all soil, rinse roots thoroughly, soak briefly in insecticidal soap solution, repot in fresh sterile gritty mix; drench with neem
How do I get rid of scale insects on euphorbia meloformis?
Flat brown or yellow-tan bumps on ribs; produce honeydew that darkens the surface and attracts sooty mould Scrape off with a toothpick or soft brush; treat with horticultural oil; wear gloves to protect skin from latex during treatment