Pest identification
What's eating my silver crown cotyledon?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony clusters in leaf axils and on stems; sap feeding causes yellowing, leaf drop, and weakened growth
Control: Dab with a cotton swab soaked in 70% isopropyl alcohol; for heavier infestations spray insecticidal soap; isolate and repeat weekly until clear
Spider mites
Signs: Pale silvery stippling on leaf surfaces and fine webbing at stem tips; worst in hot, dry rooms
Control: Move to a slightly cooler, more humid spot; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap solution every 5–7 days; repeat for three to four cycles
Scale insects
Signs: Hard brown or tan shell-like bumps along stems; slow decline in plant vigour; sticky honeydew residue
Control: Scrape off manually with a soft toothbrush; treat with rubbing alcohol swab; follow up with neem oil spray every 10 days
Keep silver crown cotyledon pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Silver Crown Cotyledon pests — FAQ
What is eating my silver crown cotyledon?
Silver Crown Cotyledon is an eye-catching succulent with grey-white leaf margins grown primarily as a houseplant. Mealybugs and spider mites are the most frequent pests, both thriving in warm, dry indoor conditions. Note that Cotyledon orbiculata foliage is toxic if ingested — keep away from pets and children and wear gloves when handling sap during pest treatment.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on silver crown cotyledon?
White cottony clusters in leaf axils and on stems; sap feeding causes yellowing, leaf drop, and weakened growth Dab with a cotton swab soaked in 70% isopropyl alcohol; for heavier infestations spray insecticidal soap; isolate and repeat weekly until clear
How do I get rid of spider mites on silver crown cotyledon?
Pale silvery stippling on leaf surfaces and fine webbing at stem tips; worst in hot, dry rooms Move to a slightly cooler, more humid spot; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap solution every 5–7 days; repeat for three to four cycles
How do I get rid of scale insects on silver crown cotyledon?
Hard brown or tan shell-like bumps along stems; slow decline in plant vigour; sticky honeydew residue Scrape off manually with a soft toothbrush; treat with rubbing alcohol swab; follow up with neem oil spray every 10 days