Pest identification
What's eating my graptosedum 'california sunset'?
Mealybugs
Signs: Waxy white deposits along stems and under leaves; plant growth slows and leaves may drop
Control: Treat with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; repeat neem oil foliar sprays for four to six weeks
Fungus gnats
Signs: Adult flies hover over soil; larvae damage shallow roots causing wilting and pale leaves
Control: Let the top inch of soil dry out thoroughly; use Bti soil drench and sticky yellow traps
Aphids
Signs: Soft insect clusters on new rosette tips outdoors; sticky honeydew attracts ants
Control: Knock off with a water jet; spray with diluted insecticidal soap or neem oil
Keep graptosedum 'california sunset' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Graptosedum 'California Sunset' pests — FAQ
What is eating my graptosedum 'california sunset'?
Graptosedum 'California Sunset' is most vulnerable to mealybugs lurking in leaf crevices and to fungus gnats in overwatered soil. Outdoors in summer, aphids may target new rosette growth. The plant's pastel orange colouring can camouflage mealybug wax, so run a finger along stems at every check to feel for hidden colonies.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on graptosedum 'california sunset'?
Waxy white deposits along stems and under leaves; plant growth slows and leaves may drop Treat with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; repeat neem oil foliar sprays for four to six weeks
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on graptosedum 'california sunset'?
Adult flies hover over soil; larvae damage shallow roots causing wilting and pale leaves Let the top inch of soil dry out thoroughly; use Bti soil drench and sticky yellow traps
How do I get rid of aphids on graptosedum 'california sunset'?
Soft insect clusters on new rosette tips outdoors; sticky honeydew attracts ants Knock off with a water jet; spray with diluted insecticidal soap or neem oil