Pest identification
What's eating my sempervivum 'reinhard'?
Mealybugs
Signs: Fluffy white wax deposits between leaves; sticky honeydew and weak growth
Control: Remove with alcohol-dipped swab; follow with neem oil spray; repeat weekly for a month
Vine weevil
Signs: Plant collapses without obvious cause; grubs found chewing roots when plant is lifted
Control: Treat soil with nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) in late summer; check roots at repotting
Fungus gnats
Signs: Larvae nibble root hairs; adult gnats swarm around pot
Control: Let substrate dry between waterings; use gritty mineral compost; apply Bti drench
Keep sempervivum 'reinhard' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Sempervivum 'Reinhard' pests — FAQ
What is eating my sempervivum 'reinhard'?
Sempervivum 'Reinhard' is a hardy hen-and-chicks cultivar with few serious pests. Mealybugs shelter in the dense rosette, and vine weevil grubs can destroy roots undetected. Fungus gnats are a minor nuisance when soil stays too wet. Vigilance and dry conditions keep this cultivar healthy.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on sempervivum 'reinhard'?
Fluffy white wax deposits between leaves; sticky honeydew and weak growth Remove with alcohol-dipped swab; follow with neem oil spray; repeat weekly for a month
How do I get rid of vine weevil on sempervivum 'reinhard'?
Plant collapses without obvious cause; grubs found chewing roots when plant is lifted Treat soil with nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) in late summer; check roots at repotting
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on sempervivum 'reinhard'?
Larvae nibble root hairs; adult gnats swarm around pot Let substrate dry between waterings; use gritty mineral compost; apply Bti drench