Pest identification
What's eating my graptoveria 'fred ives'?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony clusters at the base of leaves and in the rosette heart; stunted growth
Control: Dab with isopropyl alcohol; spray neem oil solution over the entire plant every 7–10 days until clear
Aphids
Signs: Clusters of soft-bodied insects on tender new shoots; distorted growth and sticky residue
Control: Blast off with a strong water jet; apply insecticidal soap spray; introduce ladybird adults or larvae outdoors
Spider mites
Signs: Pale stippling across fleshy leaves; webbing visible under magnification in dry conditions
Control: Increase humidity around the plant; wipe leaves clean and treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly
Keep graptoveria 'fred ives' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Graptoveria 'Fred Ives' pests — FAQ
What is eating my graptoveria 'fred ives'?
Graptoveria 'Fred Ives' is targeted most often by mealybugs in the rosette and by aphids on new growth flushes, especially when grown outdoors in warm weather. Spider mites can establish on stressed plants indoors. The hybrid's vigorous growth means pest damage can be caught early if you check new leaves weekly.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on graptoveria 'fred ives'?
White cottony clusters at the base of leaves and in the rosette heart; stunted growth Dab with isopropyl alcohol; spray neem oil solution over the entire plant every 7–10 days until clear
How do I get rid of aphids on graptoveria 'fred ives'?
Clusters of soft-bodied insects on tender new shoots; distorted growth and sticky residue Blast off with a strong water jet; apply insecticidal soap spray; introduce ladybird adults or larvae outdoors
How do I get rid of spider mites on graptoveria 'fred ives'?
Pale stippling across fleshy leaves; webbing visible under magnification in dry conditions Increase humidity around the plant; wipe leaves clean and treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly