Pest identification
What's eating my tulista pumila?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony patches in leaf axils and on the stem; yellowing, softening leaves; honeydew residue
Control: Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol; spray with neem oil solution; repeat weekly until no signs remain
Scale insects
Signs: Hard, shell-like bumps on tubercled leaf surfaces and stems; weakened growth; sooty mold
Control: Scrape off manually; treat with horticultural oil spray; follow up in 2 weeks
Root mealybugs
Signs: Wilting or yellowing despite correct watering; waxy white deposits on roots at repotting
Control: Remove from pot, clean roots, dry, drench with neem or systemic insecticide, repot in fresh mix
Keep tulista pumila pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Tulista Pumila pests — FAQ
What is eating my tulista pumila?
Tulista pumila (formerly Haworthia pumila) is a tough succulent but mealybugs and scale insects readily exploit its stiff, tubercled leaves. Spider mites can strike in very dry indoor air. Root mealybugs are a risk in waterlogged soil. Inspect leaf undersides and the stem base at every watering.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on tulista pumila?
White cottony patches in leaf axils and on the stem; yellowing, softening leaves; honeydew residue Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol; spray with neem oil solution; repeat weekly until no signs remain
How do I get rid of scale insects on tulista pumila?
Hard, shell-like bumps on tubercled leaf surfaces and stems; weakened growth; sooty mold Scrape off manually; treat with horticultural oil spray; follow up in 2 weeks
How do I get rid of root mealybugs on tulista pumila?
Wilting or yellowing despite correct watering; waxy white deposits on roots at repotting Remove from pot, clean roots, dry, drench with neem or systemic insecticide, repot in fresh mix