Pest identification
What's eating my lithops pseudotruncatella?
Root mealybugs
Signs: White waxy residue on roots seen at annual repotting; body fails to plump after seasonal watering resumes; plant collapses.
Control: Unpot in late summer before watering season; remove all compost; rinse roots in diluted insecticidal soap; dry fully; repot in sterile mineral grit mix.
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony deposits at the fissure or soil line; body may discolour or shrivel abnormally outside the shedding period.
Control: Apply 70% isopropyl alcohol carefully at the fissure with a fine brush; avoid wetting the body unnecessarily; treat monthly.
Fungus gnats
Signs: Adults at the soil surface; larvae damage roots and increase rot risk, especially fatal to lithops.
Control: Use a pure mineral top-dressing; water only during the correct seasonal window; apply Bti drench if adults persist.
Keep lithops pseudotruncatella pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Lithops Pseudotruncatella pests — FAQ
What is eating my lithops pseudotruncatella?
Lithops pseudotruncatella (stone plant) has minimal above-ground pest problems, but root mealybugs are the most damaging hidden threat, exploiting the dry, gritty compost during dormancy. Fungus gnats can appear if the mix is kept too moist. Outdoors, thrips occasionally probe the fissure. The most common 'pest' problem is actually overwatering causing rot.
How do I get rid of root mealybugs on lithops pseudotruncatella?
White waxy residue on roots seen at annual repotting; body fails to plump after seasonal watering resumes; plant collapses. Unpot in late summer before watering season; remove all compost; rinse roots in diluted insecticidal soap; dry fully; repot in sterile mineral grit mix.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on lithops pseudotruncatella?
Cottony deposits at the fissure or soil line; body may discolour or shrivel abnormally outside the shedding period. Apply 70% isopropyl alcohol carefully at the fissure with a fine brush; avoid wetting the body unnecessarily; treat monthly.
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on lithops pseudotruncatella?
Adults at the soil surface; larvae damage roots and increase rot risk, especially fatal to lithops. Use a pure mineral top-dressing; water only during the correct seasonal window; apply Bti drench if adults persist.