Pest identification
What's eating my rat tail cactus?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony clusters at stem joints and areoles; stunted, sticky growth
Control: Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; spray neem oil solution weekly until clear
Spider mites
Signs: Fine webbing along stems, tiny pale stippling, bronze or dull colouration
Control: Blast stems with water to knock off mites; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; raise humidity slightly
Scale insects
Signs: Brown or tan hard bumps on stems; sticky honeydew and sooty mould below
Control: Scrape off with a soft toothbrush dipped in rubbing alcohol; follow up with neem oil spray
Keep rat tail cactus pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Rat Tail Cactus pests — FAQ
What is eating my rat tail cactus?
Rat Tail Cactus is most often attacked by mealybugs and spider mites indoors. Both hide among its trailing stems and drain sap, causing yellowing or browning. Root mealybugs can also colonise the soil unseen. Inspect regularly, especially at stem joints, and treat with isopropyl alcohol or neem oil at first sight.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on rat tail cactus?
White cottony clusters at stem joints and areoles; stunted, sticky growth Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; spray neem oil solution weekly until clear
How do I get rid of spider mites on rat tail cactus?
Fine webbing along stems, tiny pale stippling, bronze or dull colouration Blast stems with water to knock off mites; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; raise humidity slightly
How do I get rid of scale insects on rat tail cactus?
Brown or tan hard bumps on stems; sticky honeydew and sooty mould below Scrape off with a soft toothbrush dipped in rubbing alcohol; follow up with neem oil spray