Pest identification
What's eating my sempervivum heuffelii?
Mealybugs
Signs: White woolly masses between tightly packed leaves; honeydew, yellowing, and leaf drop
Control: Remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swab; spray with neem oil; repeat every seven to ten days
Vine weevil
Signs: Plant collapses and lifts cleanly from soil; cream grubs found eating root crown
Control: Drench soil with Steinernema kraussei nematodes in spring; remove all grubs when repotting
Fungus gnats
Signs: Small black flies hover around soil; larvae damage fine roots and slow growth
Control: Use gritty, fast-draining compost; let soil dry between waterings; apply Bti biological drench
Keep sempervivum heuffelii pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Sempervivum heuffelii pests — FAQ
What is eating my sempervivum heuffelii?
Sempervivum heuffelii (Jovibarba heuffelii) is a distinctively slow-growing rosette succulent. Mealybugs are the most common indoor threat, hiding between its stiff, upright leaves. Vine weevil grubs can silently destroy the root crown. It is more tolerant of neglect than most Sempervivum, but root inspection at repotting is essential.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on sempervivum heuffelii?
White woolly masses between tightly packed leaves; honeydew, yellowing, and leaf drop Remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swab; spray with neem oil; repeat every seven to ten days
How do I get rid of vine weevil on sempervivum heuffelii?
Plant collapses and lifts cleanly from soil; cream grubs found eating root crown Drench soil with Steinernema kraussei nematodes in spring; remove all grubs when repotting
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on sempervivum heuffelii?
Small black flies hover around soil; larvae damage fine roots and slow growth Use gritty, fast-draining compost; let soil dry between waterings; apply Bti biological drench