Pest identification
What's eating my purple fingers?
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony white deposits at leaf bases and between pairs; plant looks bleached or stunted
Control: Dab colonies with alcohol-soaked swab; treat weekly and keep plant isolated from others
Root mealybugs
Signs: Plant wilts or fails to grow during active season despite correct watering
Control: Unpot and inspect roots; rinse off pests, soak in insecticidal soap, repot in dry mineral mix
Spider mites
Signs: Tiny pale dots on leaf surfaces; webbing in severe infestations in hot, dry rooms
Control: Increase air circulation, wipe leaves with damp cloth, use dilute neem oil if needed
Keep purple fingers pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Purple Fingers pests — FAQ
What is eating my purple fingers?
Purple Fingers (Cheiridopsis purpurea) is an indoor mesemb succulent. Like other Cheiridopsis, it is most vulnerable to mealybugs in the crevices between its fleshy leaf pairs and to root mealybugs in wet soil. Spider mites can appear in very dry indoor air. Lean, gritty soil and good airflow are the best defences.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on purple fingers?
Cottony white deposits at leaf bases and between pairs; plant looks bleached or stunted Dab colonies with alcohol-soaked swab; treat weekly and keep plant isolated from others
How do I get rid of root mealybugs on purple fingers?
Plant wilts or fails to grow during active season despite correct watering Unpot and inspect roots; rinse off pests, soak in insecticidal soap, repot in dry mineral mix
How do I get rid of spider mites on purple fingers?
Tiny pale dots on leaf surfaces; webbing in severe infestations in hot, dry rooms Increase air circulation, wipe leaves with damp cloth, use dilute neem oil if needed