Pest identification
What's eating my jelly bean plant?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony masses in leaf axils and stem joints; sticky residue; leaves may drop or shrivel
Control: Dab with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; apply neem oil spray to the whole stem; repeat weekly until gone
Vine weevil grubs
Signs: Plant collapses without warning; fat white grubs found in soil, roots chewed to stubs
Control: Apply beneficial nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) to moist soil; repot and remove grubs; use vine weevil killer drench if needed
Aphids
Signs: Soft insects on flower stems in spring; honeydew on leaves; distorted buds
Control: Knock off with a firm water jet; apply insecticidal soap to stems; remove infested flower spikes if severe
Keep jelly bean plant pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Jelly Bean Plant pests — FAQ
What is eating my jelly bean plant?
Sedum rubrotinctum is a tough little succulent most frequently damaged by mealybugs nesting between its chubby bean-like leaves, and by vine weevil grubs that eat roots undetected below the soil. Aphids occasionally target the flower stems in spring. Its waxy skin resists many pests, but mealybugs exploit every gap.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on jelly bean plant?
White cottony masses in leaf axils and stem joints; sticky residue; leaves may drop or shrivel Dab with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; apply neem oil spray to the whole stem; repeat weekly until gone
How do I get rid of vine weevil grubs on jelly bean plant?
Plant collapses without warning; fat white grubs found in soil, roots chewed to stubs Apply beneficial nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) to moist soil; repot and remove grubs; use vine weevil killer drench if needed
How do I get rid of aphids on jelly bean plant?
Soft insects on flower stems in spring; honeydew on leaves; distorted buds Knock off with a firm water jet; apply insecticidal soap to stems; remove infested flower spikes if severe