Pest identification
What's eating my haworthia obtusa?
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony white clusters at leaf bases and in axils; honeydew deposits and stunted growth
Control: Remove with alcohol-dipped cotton swabs; treat the whole plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap spray every 7 days until clear
Fungus gnats
Signs: Larvae feed on roots and root hairs, causing wilting and poor growth; adults are nuisance fliers
Control: Allow top inch of soil to dry out completely between waterings; apply Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) drench; use yellow sticky traps for adults
Scale insects
Signs: Brown or tan waxy bumps on stems; yellowing and weakening of affected tissue
Control: Scrape off with a soft toothbrush; apply isopropyl alcohol directly; follow with horticultural oil spray
Keep haworthia obtusa pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Haworthia Obtusa pests — FAQ
What is eating my haworthia obtusa?
Haworthia obtusa's soft, windowed leaves attract mealybugs more than most Haworthias. Fungus gnats breed in soggy soil around this species if overwatered. Scale insects occasionally attach to stems. Keep soil nearly dry between waterings and inspect regularly to stay ahead of infestations.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on haworthia obtusa?
Cottony white clusters at leaf bases and in axils; honeydew deposits and stunted growth Remove with alcohol-dipped cotton swabs; treat the whole plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap spray every 7 days until clear
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on haworthia obtusa?
Larvae feed on roots and root hairs, causing wilting and poor growth; adults are nuisance fliers Allow top inch of soil to dry out completely between waterings; apply Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) drench; use yellow sticky traps for adults
How do I get rid of scale insects on haworthia obtusa?
Brown or tan waxy bumps on stems; yellowing and weakening of affected tissue Scrape off with a soft toothbrush; apply isopropyl alcohol directly; follow with horticultural oil spray