Common Succulent Pests and How to Treat Them

Succulents are tough, but they are not immune to pests. Summer heat and dry air indoors can bring infestations. The good news: most problems are easy to treat if you catch them early.

Mealybugs

Signs: white, cottony clusters in leaf joints, at the base of rosettes or on roots. Leaves may become sticky or distorted.

Treatment: dab each mealybug with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol. For larger infestations, spray the plant with a 1:1 mix of alcohol and water, or use insecticidal soap. Repeat weekly for several weeks. Check the roots too — root mealybugs look like white powder in the soil.

Aphids

Signs: small green, black or gray insects clustered on new growth and flower stalks.

Treatment: spray off with a strong stream of water, or remove affected flower stalks entirely. Insecticidal soap works well for persistent colonies. Outdoors, ladybugs and lacewings are natural predators.

Spider mites

Signs: fine webbing, tiny moving dots and leaves with a dull, speckled or bronze appearance. Common in hot, dry indoor air.

Treatment: isolate the plant, rinse it thoroughly and increase airflow. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil every few days for two weeks.

Scale insects

Signs: small brown or tan bumps that stay fixed to stems and leaves.

Treatment: scrape them off gently with a fingernail or soft brush, then wipe the area with alcohol. Repeat as needed.

Fungus gnats

Signs: tiny black flies around the soil. Their larvae live in moist soil.

Treatment: let the soil dry out completely between waterings — this is usually enough. Yellow sticky traps catch adults, and a top layer of grit discourages egg laying.

Prevention

• Quarantine new plants for two weeks before placing them with your collection.
• Inspect plants whenever you water.
• Avoid overwatering and overfertilizing — soft, lush growth attracts pests.
• Provide good airflow and plenty of light.
• Remove dead leaves at the base of rosettes, where pests like to hide.

A quick weekly look is the best protection. Healthy plants recover quickly from minor infestations. Explore our succulents for easy-care additions.