Pest identification
What's eating my euphorbia milii 'rosea'?
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony white masses in stem joints and leaf axils; sticky honeydew; yellowing and leaf drop
Control: Dab with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7–10 days; check persistently around spiny stems
Spider mites
Signs: Pale, stippled or bronzed leaves; fine webbing especially in hot, dry conditions
Control: Increase humidity; mist or rinse foliage; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray weekly until resolved
Aphids
Signs: Clusters of soft green or black insects on new shoot tips; distorted tender growth; sticky residue
Control: Blast off with a strong water spray; treat with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil; repeat as needed; ladybirds are useful allies outdoors
Keep euphorbia milii 'rosea' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Euphorbia milii 'Rosea' pests — FAQ
What is eating my euphorbia milii 'rosea'?
Euphorbia milii 'Rosea' (Crown of Thorns) grown as a flowering houseplant or patio plant is most troubled by mealybugs and spider mites. Outdoors it can attract aphids and whitefly on tender new growth. Its spines and toxic latex deter most chewing pests and browsing animals, making sap-suckers the primary threat.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on euphorbia milii 'rosea'?
Cottony white masses in stem joints and leaf axils; sticky honeydew; yellowing and leaf drop Dab with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7–10 days; check persistently around spiny stems
How do I get rid of spider mites on euphorbia milii 'rosea'?
Pale, stippled or bronzed leaves; fine webbing especially in hot, dry conditions Increase humidity; mist or rinse foliage; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray weekly until resolved
How do I get rid of aphids on euphorbia milii 'rosea'?
Clusters of soft green or black insects on new shoot tips; distorted tender growth; sticky residue Blast off with a strong water spray; treat with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil; repeat as needed; ladybirds are useful allies outdoors