Pest identification
What's eating my neli's rhombophyllum?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cotton-like fluff between leaves and at stem nodes; yellowing or shrivelling of affected leaves
Control: Dab each colony with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; repeat weekly and keep isolated
Root mealybugs
Signs: Wilting or failure to plump after watering; white residue on roots found at repotting
Control: Unpot, remove infested soil, treat roots with insecticidal soap drench, repot in dry gritty mix
Aphids
Signs: Clusters of small soft insects on new growth tips; sticky honeydew and possible sooty mould
Control: Spray off with a gentle water jet; apply insecticidal soap if colonies reestablish
Keep neli's rhombophyllum pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Neli's Rhombophyllum pests — FAQ
What is eating my neli's rhombophyllum?
Neli's Rhombophyllum (Rhombophyllum nelii) is a clumping indoor mesemb succulent. Mealybugs are the primary pest, hiding between the forked fleshy leaves. Root mealybugs pose a serious risk if the soil stays damp. Aphids occasionally visit during spring. Prompt alcohol treatment and a very open mineral mix are the best defences.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on neli's rhombophyllum?
White cotton-like fluff between leaves and at stem nodes; yellowing or shrivelling of affected leaves Dab each colony with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; repeat weekly and keep isolated
How do I get rid of root mealybugs on neli's rhombophyllum?
Wilting or failure to plump after watering; white residue on roots found at repotting Unpot, remove infested soil, treat roots with insecticidal soap drench, repot in dry gritty mix
How do I get rid of aphids on neli's rhombophyllum?
Clusters of small soft insects on new growth tips; sticky honeydew and possible sooty mould Spray off with a gentle water jet; apply insecticidal soap if colonies reestablish