Pest identification
What's eating my graptopetalum rusbyi?
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony white masses lodged between leaves or at soil level; leaves yellow and drop if infestation is untreated
Control: Apply isopropyl alcohol with a cotton swab; follow with a neem oil or insecticidal soap spray; repeat every 7 days for a month
Aphids
Signs: Clusters of soft insects on flower stems or new rosettes; honeydew and distorted buds
Control: Spray with a strong jet of water; apply insecticidal soap or pyrethrin spray; repeat treatment every 4–5 days
Scale insects
Signs: Hard brownish bumps on older stems; yellowing foliage and reduced vigor
Control: Scrape off with a soft brush; treat with isopropyl alcohol; apply horticultural oil for persistent infestations
Keep graptopetalum rusbyi pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Graptopetalum rusbyi pests — FAQ
What is eating my graptopetalum rusbyi?
Graptopetalum rusbyi is a small, silvery-rosette succulent native to Arizona and Mexico. Mealybugs are its most frequent indoor pest. Outdoors in its native range or in rock gardens, aphids can appear on flower stems and scale on older canes. The plant is naturally quite resilient and rarely suffers severe infestations.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on graptopetalum rusbyi?
Cottony white masses lodged between leaves or at soil level; leaves yellow and drop if infestation is untreated Apply isopropyl alcohol with a cotton swab; follow with a neem oil or insecticidal soap spray; repeat every 7 days for a month
How do I get rid of aphids on graptopetalum rusbyi?
Clusters of soft insects on flower stems or new rosettes; honeydew and distorted buds Spray with a strong jet of water; apply insecticidal soap or pyrethrin spray; repeat treatment every 4–5 days
How do I get rid of scale insects on graptopetalum rusbyi?
Hard brownish bumps on older stems; yellowing foliage and reduced vigor Scrape off with a soft brush; treat with isopropyl alcohol; apply horticultural oil for persistent infestations