Mealybugs on echeveria
What's Happening
Mealybugs are the most common pest affecting echeverias, targeting the tight rosette centers where leaves overlap and provide shelter. These sap-sucking insects excrete honeydew that promotes sooty mold growth. The waxy coating on mealybugs makes them resistant to standard water sprays, requiring targeted intervention.
How to Fix It
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1. Manual removal: Dip cotton swab in 70% isopropyl alcohol and dab each visible mealybug. Alcohol dissolves their waxy coating on contact.
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2. Spray treatment: Mix 1 tablespoon mild liquid soap + 1 cup 70% rubbing alcohol + 1 quart water. Spray entire plant, especially leaf axils, every 3 days for 3 treatments.
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3. Systemic for severe cases: Apply imidacloprid granules to soil per label instructions for ongoing protection lasting 6-8 weeks.
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4. Inspect undersides: Check leaf undersides and base of plant weekly for 3 weeks after treatment to catch survivors.
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5. Quarantine: Keep treated plant isolated until 2 weeks after last visible mealybug observed to prevent spread to other plants.
What You'll Need
How to Prevent It
Inspect new plants thoroughly before introducing to collection. Isolate new acquisitions for 2 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing which produces soft growth attractive to pests.