What's eating my string of raindrops?

String of Raindrops (Curio citriformis) is a compact trailing succulent most commonly attacked by mealybugs hiding where plump bead-like leaves meet the stems. Spider mites strike in dry rooms. Fungus gnats breed if the potting mix stays too moist. The teardrop foliage can obscure colonies — inspect stem junctions at every watering.

White waxy fluff at leaf-stem junctions and along trailing stems; leaves shrivel or drop; honeydew attracts mold Dab colonies with isopropyl alcohol; spray entire plant with diluted neem oil; repeat weekly; isolate from other succulents

Tiny pale speckling on the round succulent beads; dull, dusty appearance; fine webbing between leaves in severe cases Wipe stems gently; raise local humidity slightly; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days

Larvae damage fine roots in waterlogged compost; adults visible near pot; yellowing and mushy stems may follow Use a very free-draining succulent mix; allow compost to dry fully between waterings; use yellow sticky traps and Bti drench