What's eating my painted echeveria?

Echeveria nodulosa, with its striking red-marked leaves, is primarily targeted by mealybugs that shelter in the rosette crevices. Aphids can cluster on flower stems. Root rot from overwatering attracts fungus gnats. The plant's waxy cuticle gives slight natural resistance, but early inspection is key.

White cottony clusters between leaves; leaves become sticky and may yellow or distort Dab with isopropyl alcohol; isolate the plant; use neem oil spray on the whole rosette and stem

Soft green or black insects on emerging flower stalks; stunted blooms, sticky honeydew Knock off with a sharp water spray; apply insecticidal soap; remove and discard badly affected flower stems

Adults hover near soil; larvae feed on roots and decaying matter in wet compost Allow soil to dry between waterings; use Bti soil drench; add a layer of grit on the soil surface as a deterrent