Pest identification
What's eating my lithops divergens?
Root mealybugs
Signs: Plant fails to plump up after watering; white cottony deposits on roots and inside pot drainage holes
Control: Unpot, rinse roots, soak in diluted neem or imidacloprid solution, repot in fresh dry grit compost
Fungus gnats
Signs: Adult flies hovering at soil surface; larvae nibble fine roots causing yellowing
Control: Keep the growing medium dry and mineral; top-dress with coarse sand; use yellow sticky traps
Mealybugs
Signs: Rare — white wax at the fissure between the two lobes; honeydew residue
Control: Treat the fissure carefully with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a fine brush; repeat after 10 days
Keep lithops divergens pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Lithops Divergens pests — FAQ
What is eating my lithops divergens?
Lithops Divergens (living stone) is almost never bothered by foliar pests due to its tough, succulent body, but root mealybugs are the main indoor threat. Fungus gnats appear if soil stays wet. Overwatering causes rot that mimics pest damage. Grow in a near-mineral mix, water only in the active season, and check roots annually.
How do I get rid of root mealybugs on lithops divergens?
Plant fails to plump up after watering; white cottony deposits on roots and inside pot drainage holes Unpot, rinse roots, soak in diluted neem or imidacloprid solution, repot in fresh dry grit compost
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on lithops divergens?
Adult flies hovering at soil surface; larvae nibble fine roots causing yellowing Keep the growing medium dry and mineral; top-dress with coarse sand; use yellow sticky traps
How do I get rid of mealybugs on lithops divergens?
Rare — white wax at the fissure between the two lobes; honeydew residue Treat the fissure carefully with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a fine brush; repeat after 10 days