Pest identification
What's eating my mexican aechmea?
Mealybugs
Signs: White waxy deposits in leaf joints and the central cup; weakened, yellowing leaves
Control: Dab infested areas with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; isolate the plant from others immediately
Scale insects
Signs: Immobile brown or white bumps on leaves and stems; sticky residue below infested areas
Control: Scrape off manually then wipe with alcohol; follow up with horticultural oil if re-infestation occurs
Spider mites
Signs: Tiny pale flecks and stippling on leaf surfaces, especially in low-humidity conditions
Control: Increase ambient humidity; spray with insecticidal soap or dilute neem oil every week for a month
Keep mexican aechmea pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Mexican Aechmea pests — FAQ
What is eating my mexican aechmea?
Mexican Aechmea, like most bromeliads grown indoors, is most commonly bothered by mealybugs and scale insects nesting in its rosette. Spider mites can flare up in warm, dry rooms. Regular inspection of the leaf axils and prompt treatment with alcohol or insecticidal soap keeps the plant healthy.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on mexican aechmea?
White waxy deposits in leaf joints and the central cup; weakened, yellowing leaves Dab infested areas with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; isolate the plant from others immediately
How do I get rid of scale insects on mexican aechmea?
Immobile brown or white bumps on leaves and stems; sticky residue below infested areas Scrape off manually then wipe with alcohol; follow up with horticultural oil if re-infestation occurs
How do I get rid of spider mites on mexican aechmea?
Tiny pale flecks and stippling on leaf surfaces, especially in low-humidity conditions Increase ambient humidity; spray with insecticidal soap or dilute neem oil every week for a month