Pest identification
What's eating my powdery echeveria?
Mealybugs
Signs: White colonies buried between leaves; sticky honeydew disturbs the farina; growth slows markedly
Control: Use a fine-tipped artist's brush soaked in 70% isopropyl alcohol to treat individual colonies without touching the farina; isolate immediately
Root mealybugs
Signs: Wilting despite correct watering; white powdery mealybugs on roots and soil particles when unpotted
Control: Remove from pot; soak roots in diluted insecticidal soap solution; repot in sterile, fast-draining cactus mix
Fungus gnats
Signs: Adults around soil; larvae damage fine roots, leading to unexplained yellowing in an otherwise well-kept plant
Control: Water minimally and only when the soil is completely dry; apply Bti drench; use yellow sticky traps for adult monitoring
Keep powdery echeveria pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Powdery Echeveria pests — FAQ
What is eating my powdery echeveria?
Echeveria laui is prized for its thick powdery-white farina, which is extremely easy to permanently mark. Mealybugs are the main threat, hiding in the rosette where conventional sprays would damage the coating. Root mealybugs also attack below soil. Handle and treat with great care to preserve the specimen appearance.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on powdery echeveria?
White colonies buried between leaves; sticky honeydew disturbs the farina; growth slows markedly Use a fine-tipped artist's brush soaked in 70% isopropyl alcohol to treat individual colonies without touching the farina; isolate immediately
How do I get rid of root mealybugs on powdery echeveria?
Wilting despite correct watering; white powdery mealybugs on roots and soil particles when unpotted Remove from pot; soak roots in diluted insecticidal soap solution; repot in sterile, fast-draining cactus mix
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on powdery echeveria?
Adults around soil; larvae damage fine roots, leading to unexplained yellowing in an otherwise well-kept plant Water minimally and only when the soil is completely dry; apply Bti drench; use yellow sticky traps for adult monitoring