Pest identification
What's eating my pachyveria 'exotica'?
Mealybugs
Signs: White powdery or cottony residue between leaves; honeydew deposits; stunted soft growth
Control: Spot-treat with 70% isopropyl alcohol; follow with neem oil spray weekly for a month
Root mealybugs
Signs: Plant looks unhealthy despite correct watering; white residue on roots found during repotting
Control: Bare-root the plant, rinse thoroughly, drench with systemic insecticide, repot in dry sterile mix
Fungus gnats
Signs: Root-feeding larvae stunt growth; small black flies hover over the pot
Control: Reduce watering; top-dress with coarse grit; use yellow sticky traps; apply BTi soil drench
Keep pachyveria 'exotica' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Pachyveria 'Exotica' pests — FAQ
What is eating my pachyveria 'exotica'?
Pachyveria 'Exotica' is an indoor succulent hybrid most commonly attacked by mealybugs nesting in its plump leaf rosette. Root mealybugs are a hidden danger in containers. Spider mites and fungus gnats are secondary risks. Keep this plant in bright, dry conditions with excellent drainage to discourage most pest problems.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on pachyveria 'exotica'?
White powdery or cottony residue between leaves; honeydew deposits; stunted soft growth Spot-treat with 70% isopropyl alcohol; follow with neem oil spray weekly for a month
How do I get rid of root mealybugs on pachyveria 'exotica'?
Plant looks unhealthy despite correct watering; white residue on roots found during repotting Bare-root the plant, rinse thoroughly, drench with systemic insecticide, repot in dry sterile mix
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on pachyveria 'exotica'?
Root-feeding larvae stunt growth; small black flies hover over the pot Reduce watering; top-dress with coarse grit; use yellow sticky traps; apply BTi soil drench