Pest identification
What's eating my window plant?
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony white residue around the base of club-shaped leaves; growth slows or stops
Control: Dab directly with 70% isopropyl alcohol; isolate plant and retreat weekly
Root mealybugs
Signs: Plant fails to plump up after watering; waxy white coating found on roots
Control: Remove from pot, rinse and treat roots with insecticidal soap solution, repot in fresh dry mix
Fungus gnats
Signs: Small dark flies around the soil; larvae damage fine roots of seedlings and young plants
Control: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; use yellow sticky traps and a top-dress of grit
Keep window plant pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Window Plant pests — FAQ
What is eating my window plant?
Window Plant (Fenestaria rhopalophylla) is an indoor South African mesemb very similar to Baby Toes. Mealybugs at the leaf bases are the primary concern, followed by root mealybugs in wet conditions. Fungus gnats can emerge if the soil stays too moist. Keep it in a gritty, fast-draining mix and water sparingly.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on window plant?
Cottony white residue around the base of club-shaped leaves; growth slows or stops Dab directly with 70% isopropyl alcohol; isolate plant and retreat weekly
How do I get rid of root mealybugs on window plant?
Plant fails to plump up after watering; waxy white coating found on roots Remove from pot, rinse and treat roots with insecticidal soap solution, repot in fresh dry mix
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on window plant?
Small dark flies around the soil; larvae damage fine roots of seedlings and young plants Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; use yellow sticky traps and a top-dress of grit