What's eating my impala lily?

Impala Lily (Adenium multiflorum) is a winter-flowering southern African species with the same pest vulnerabilities as other desert roses. Mealybugs and spider mites are the dominant threats, particularly when the plant is grown in pots indoors or in a glasshouse. Aphids and scale insects also occur. Catch infestations early — stressed plants are far more susceptible.

White cottony deposits at stem joints and on the caudex; honeydew and sooty mold; root mealybugs cause sudden wilting. Wipe colonies with isopropyl alcohol; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 10 days. Drench soil if root mealybugs are suspected.

Fine pale stippling on leaves with webbing visible on undersides; foliage drops when infestation is severe. Shower leaves to dislodge mites; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray on a 7-day cycle for 3 weeks. Maintain adequate humidity.

Colonies on new shoots cause curling and sticky residue; ants farming the aphids are a telltale sign of infestation. Spray off with water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Beneficial insects — ladybirds and lacewings — reduce populations naturally.