Pest identification
What's eating my fred ives?
Mealybugs
Signs: White fluffy clumps in leaf axils and stem bases; infested leaves yellow and the rosette centre may become distorted
Control: Apply 70% isopropyl alcohol with a cotton swab directly to each pest; follow with insecticidal soap spray across the whole plant; repeat weekly
Scale insects
Signs: Hard brown or grey bumps on stems and leaf undersides; honeydew secretion and associated sooty mould
Control: Scrape off with a soft toothbrush; treat with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab; apply neem oil every 10 days as follow-up
Aphids
Signs: Clusters of small soft insects on flower stalks and new growth; sticky residue and minor leaf curl
Control: Rinse with a strong water jet outdoors; for indoor plants use an insecticidal soap spray; check again after one week
Keep fred ives pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Fred Ives pests — FAQ
What is eating my fred ives?
Fred Ives is a popular Graptoveria hybrid with large rosettes in grey-lavender to pink tones, grown as a houseplant or in frost-free outdoor containers. Mealybugs are the most common pest, followed by scale and the occasional aphid colony on flower stems. Good light and airflow reduce vulnerability; most outbreaks respond well to isopropyl alcohol treatment.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on fred ives?
White fluffy clumps in leaf axils and stem bases; infested leaves yellow and the rosette centre may become distorted Apply 70% isopropyl alcohol with a cotton swab directly to each pest; follow with insecticidal soap spray across the whole plant; repeat weekly
How do I get rid of scale insects on fred ives?
Hard brown or grey bumps on stems and leaf undersides; honeydew secretion and associated sooty mould Scrape off with a soft toothbrush; treat with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab; apply neem oil every 10 days as follow-up
How do I get rid of aphids on fred ives?
Clusters of small soft insects on flower stalks and new growth; sticky residue and minor leaf curl Rinse with a strong water jet outdoors; for indoor plants use an insecticidal soap spray; check again after one week