What's eating my purple rose tree?

Purple Rose Tree (Aeonium arboreum 'Atropurpureum') kept as a houseplant is most often attacked by mealybugs, which nestle at the base of its rosette leaves and along woody stems. Scale insects fix to the branching stems. Spider mites can colonise the foliage in dry, warm interiors. Mealybugs are by far the most frequently reported pest on indoor Aeonium.

White cottony clusters at leaf bases and in rosette centres; leaves turn yellow and drop; plant weakens over time. Remove with isopropyl alcohol on cotton swabs; spray thoroughly with neem oil solution including stem joints; isolate the plant from others.

Brown oval shells stuck to woody stems and branches; yellowing foliage and sticky honeydew residue. Scrape off with a soft toothbrush; apply horticultural oil or neem oil spray; re-treat monthly until clear.

Fine pale stippling across the dark foliage; webbing between leaves in severe cases, especially in winter near heat sources. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; improve air circulation and avoid very dry air.

Soft clusters on new rosette growth and young stem tips; distorted leaves and honeydew in active growth periods. Wash off with water spray; treat with insecticidal soap; check the plant weekly during spring and summer growth flushes.