What's eating my string of pickles?

String of pickles (Othonna capensis) is a trailing succulent susceptible to spider mites and mealybugs indoors, particularly when air is dry or airflow is poor. Aphids can cluster on tender new growth. Its fine stems make infestations easy to miss — check carefully when watering and isolate any affected strands promptly.

Silvery or bronze stippling on the small cylindrical leaves; fine webbing along trailing stems; leaves may shrivel Improve humidity and air movement; spray thoroughly with diluted neem oil or insecticidal soap, covering all stems, every 5–7 days

White powdery wax at leaf axils and stem nodes; honeydew and sooty mould; slow, weak growth Dab each colony with a 70% isopropyl alcohol swab; follow with a neem oil spray weekly for 3–4 weeks

Clusters of small soft insects on actively growing shoot tips; distorted new leaves, sticky deposits Remove by hand or with a water spray; apply insecticidal soap every few days until colonies are eliminated