What's eating my variegated string of pearls?

Variegated String of Pearls is most commonly troubled by mealybugs nesting among the pearl-like beads and at soil level. Aphids occasionally target the delicate trailing stems, and fungus gnats breed in overly wet succulent mix. The variegated form's slower growth means pest damage takes longer to recover from.

White cottony deposits between pearl beads and at soil surface; pearls shrivel and drop Apply isopropyl alcohol directly to bugs; treat the soil with a neem drench if root mealybugs are suspected

Soft insects on stem tips; sticky honeydew causes blackening of the delicate stems Spray with insecticidal soap solution carefully to avoid washing off the bloom; repeat weekly

Larvae damage hair roots in moist soil; yellowing and wilting of strands above Reduce watering frequency; apply BTi soil drench and use yellow sticky traps to break the adult cycle