Pest identification
What's eating my graptopetalum pentandrum?
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony white residue in the rosette centre and under leaves; leaves yellow and wilt
Control: Remove with an alcohol-dipped cotton swab; follow with a neem oil drench and foliar spray every 10 days
Scale insects
Signs: Small armoured bumps on stems; honeydew and sooty mould on lower foliage
Control: Physically remove with a soft brush dipped in soapy water; treat with systemic insecticidal soap if infestation is heavy
Spider mites
Signs: Tiny pale flecks across leaf surfaces; fine webbing between leaves in hot, dry rooms
Control: Wash plant under lukewarm water, then apply neem oil or a miticide spray; improve air circulation
Keep graptopetalum pentandrum pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Graptopetalum pentandrum pests — FAQ
What is eating my graptopetalum pentandrum?
Graptopetalum pentandrum suffers most from mealybugs, which shelter in the rosette centre. Scale and spider mites are secondary threats under dry indoor conditions. Root mealybugs can go undetected for months. Avoid misting the rosette, as trapped moisture also encourages fungal issues alongside pest problems. Inspect the plant crown at every watering.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on graptopetalum pentandrum?
Cottony white residue in the rosette centre and under leaves; leaves yellow and wilt Remove with an alcohol-dipped cotton swab; follow with a neem oil drench and foliar spray every 10 days
How do I get rid of scale insects on graptopetalum pentandrum?
Small armoured bumps on stems; honeydew and sooty mould on lower foliage Physically remove with a soft brush dipped in soapy water; treat with systemic insecticidal soap if infestation is heavy
How do I get rid of spider mites on graptopetalum pentandrum?
Tiny pale flecks across leaf surfaces; fine webbing between leaves in hot, dry rooms Wash plant under lukewarm water, then apply neem oil or a miticide spray; improve air circulation