Pest identification
What's eating my graptopetalum bellum?
Mealybugs
Signs: Fluffy white wax deposits between leaves and at the rosette base; yellow, limp foliage.
Control: Treat each colony with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a swab; spray with diluted neem oil weekly for 3–4 weeks.
Aphids
Signs: Soft-bodied insects clustered on flower stems and buds; sticky honeydew; distorted or aborted flowers.
Control: Remove by hand or spray with insecticidal soap every 3–4 days until the population is eliminated.
Fungus gnats
Signs: Root damage from larvae in wet soil; adult flies hovering around the pot are the first visible sign.
Control: Allow topsoil to dry between waterings; apply a Bti-based soil drench; use yellow sticky traps.
Keep graptopetalum bellum pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Graptopetalum bellum pests — FAQ
What is eating my graptopetalum bellum?
Graptopetalum bellum (Tacitus bellus) is a small indoor succulent prized for its vivid pink flowers. Mealybugs are the primary pest threat, hiding in tight rosette junctions. Aphids may target flower stems during bloom, and fungus gnats can damage roots if soil is overwatered. Inspect at every watering, especially during the flowering season.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on graptopetalum bellum?
Fluffy white wax deposits between leaves and at the rosette base; yellow, limp foliage. Treat each colony with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a swab; spray with diluted neem oil weekly for 3–4 weeks.
How do I get rid of aphids on graptopetalum bellum?
Soft-bodied insects clustered on flower stems and buds; sticky honeydew; distorted or aborted flowers. Remove by hand or spray with insecticidal soap every 3–4 days until the population is eliminated.
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on graptopetalum bellum?
Root damage from larvae in wet soil; adult flies hovering around the pot are the first visible sign. Allow topsoil to dry between waterings; apply a Bti-based soil drench; use yellow sticky traps.