Pest identification
What's eating my kiwi aeonium?
Aphids
Signs: Soft insects massed in rosette centers and on new growth; honeydew leads to sooty mold and attracts ants.
Control: Water jet to dislodge; follow with insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; repeat weekly and check all rosettes individually.
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony residue at stem forks and leaf axils throughout the branched structure; sticky film on lower leaves.
Control: Alcohol swab treatment at every affected point; spray whole plant with diluted neem oil every 7 days for 3–4 weeks.
Vine weevil
Signs: Root destruction by cream-colored grubs in outdoor containers; plants droop and die despite good watering.
Control: Apply beneficial nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) to moist compost; check roots when repotting; use sticky barrier tape around pot rims.
Keep kiwi aeonium pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Kiwi Aeonium pests — FAQ
What is eating my kiwi aeonium?
Kiwi Aeonium (Aeonium haworthii 'Kiwi') branches readily and produces many rosettes, giving aphids more entry points than single-stemmed aeoniums. Mealybugs are common at branch forks. Vine weevil targets the roots in containers outdoors. Inspect every rosette center and all stem joints — colonies establish fast on multi-branched specimens.
How do I get rid of aphids on kiwi aeonium?
Soft insects massed in rosette centers and on new growth; honeydew leads to sooty mold and attracts ants. Water jet to dislodge; follow with insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; repeat weekly and check all rosettes individually.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on kiwi aeonium?
White cottony residue at stem forks and leaf axils throughout the branched structure; sticky film on lower leaves. Alcohol swab treatment at every affected point; spray whole plant with diluted neem oil every 7 days for 3–4 weeks.
How do I get rid of vine weevil on kiwi aeonium?
Root destruction by cream-colored grubs in outdoor containers; plants droop and die despite good watering. Apply beneficial nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) to moist compost; check roots when repotting; use sticky barrier tape around pot rims.