Houseplant and succulent owners face plenty of challenges, but most would agree that pests top the list of frustrations. Among these, mealybugs stand out as one of the most common and irritating culprits. These tiny, fuzzy pests not only infest your plants but can also be notoriously stubborn to eliminate entirely, making them a nightmare for plant parents.
They nestle into the small gaps and folds of your succulents, multiplying quickly and leaving behind a sticky residue that invites even more trouble, like mold. What’s worse, their damage often goes unnoticed until your once-thriving plants start to weaken and lose their vibrant charm. But don’t despair—mealybugs may be persistent, but with the right approach, they can be beaten. In this guide, we’ll explore what makes mealybugs so tricky, how to deal with them effectively, and what you can do to keep them from coming back.
What is Mealybug?
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that are infamous for their ability to infest and damage plants, including succulents.
These tiny pests are covered in a white, waxy coating that makes them look like little bits of cotton stuck to your plant. While they might seem harmless at first glance, mealybugs are sap-suckers, feeding on the nutrient-rich juices of your succulents. Over time, their feeding weakens the plant, causing stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and sometimes even death if left untreated.
Interestingly, most of the mealybugs you see are females. Unlike males, which are smaller and winged, females are wingless and reproduce rapidly, laying hundreds of eggs in cottony sacs hidden on leaves, stems, or even roots. Once these eggs hatch, the nymphs, called "crawlers," spread out to feed, creating even more damage.
What makes mealybugs particularly troublesome is their ability to thrive in hidden parts of your succulents. They tend to cluster in sheltered spots like the base of leaves, stem joints, or under any overlapping foliage. They also secrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which not only attracts ants but can lead to mold growth, compounding the problem.
These pests have a quick life cycle (23 and 75 days). Eggs hatch within days, and the young nymphs grow into adults in just a few weeks, making infestations spread rapidly. Their resilience and ability to hide make them one of the most persistent pests for plant enthusiasts, especially those caring for succulents.
There are several types of mealybugs and the most commonly seen on succulents are citrus mealybugs (Planococcus citri). These pests feed on leaves and stems, leaving behind sticky honeydew that attracts mold and ants. Longtailed mealybugs (Pseudococcus longispinus), which give birth to live nymphs, are also frequent culprits, as they spread quickly. Root mealybugs (Rhizoecus spp.), hidden in the soil, are harder to detect but can cause significant damage to succulent roots, leading to stunted growth and yellowing leaves.
How Do Mealybugs Infest Your Succulents?
Mealybugs infest succulents because these plants provide the ideal environment and food source for their survival. Succulents are rich in sap, which mealybugs feed on to extract nutrients. The soft tissues of succulents, especially at leaf folds, stems, and roots, make it easy for mealybugs to access this sap.
Poor growing conditions often attract mealybugs. Overwatering creates a moist environment that mealybugs thrive in, while overcrowded plants with limited airflow provide hiding spots. Weak or stressed succulents, such as those suffering from improper lighting or inconsistent care, are especially vulnerable to infestations.
Mealybugs can also spread through contact with infested plants. New plants brought into your collection without quarantine or pests hiding in soil can introduce them to healthy succulents. Understanding these factors helps in preventing infestations and maintaining healthy plants.
Signs of Mealybugs vs Other Pests
Mealybugs can often be mistaken for other common pests, but they have distinct characteristics that make them easy to identify if you know what to look for. Unlike spider mites, aphids, or scale insects, mealybugs are soft-bodied and covered with a white, waxy coating that gives them a cottony or fuzzy appearance. They tend to cluster in sheltered areas of succulents, such as leaf folds, stem joints, and roots, where their presence often looks like bits of cotton or powder.
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Spider mites are really small, often only about the size of a grain of pepper. Image by Haxnicks |
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects with pear-shaped bodies, often found in clusters on plants. Image by Koppert Canada |
Spider mites, on the other hand, are much smaller and usually identified by the fine webbing they leave behind. Aphids come in a variety of colors, including green, black, and yellow, and lack the waxy coating that mealybugs have. Scale insects are often mistaken for mealybugs because they also attach themselves to plant surfaces, but they have hard or waxy shells that make them appear more like bumps or tiny disks on the plant.
Another telltale sign of mealybugs is the sticky honeydew they secrete, which attracts ants and can lead to the growth of sooty mold. Ants often appear near infestations, drawn by the honeydew as a food source, which can further indicate the presence of mealybugs. While other pests like aphids also produce honeydew, they do not have those white, waxy coating like mealybugs’.
Mealybug Treatment: Step by Step
Effectively treating mealybugs on succulents requires a thorough, step-by-step approach to ensure the pests are eradicated while keeping your plant healthy. Here’s how to tackle an infestation:
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The first step is to quarantine the infested plant. Mealybugs spread quickly and can move to neighboring plants if not isolated. Place the affected succulent away from others to prevent the infestation from spreading further.
Use Q-tips to carefully pick out the mealy bugs.
Image by faithfoodfamilyfun.com
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Manual removal is essential to reduce the number of mealybugs on your plant immediately. Use a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol to dab and remove visible mealybugs. The alcohol dissolves their protective waxy coating, killing them on contact. Inspect every part of the plant, especially hidden areas like leaf folds and stem joints, and repeat the process until all visible pests are gone.
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Next, rinse the plant thoroughly with a strong stream of water. This helps dislodge any remaining pests that are not visible to the naked eye. Be gentle to avoid damaging the succulent. While you’re at it, clean the pot with hot, soapy water to eliminate any lingering eggs or crawlers hiding in the container.
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After cleaning and adjusting the plant's care, let both the succulent and its pot dry completely. Moisture creates the perfect breeding ground for mealybugs, so ensure everything is thoroughly dry before proceeding.
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Once the plant and pot are ready, replant the succulent in fresh, well-draining soil. Discard the old soil carefully, as it may contain eggs or hidden pests. Use a sterile potting mix designed for succulents to give the plant a clean start.
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Apply a repellent spray to the plant as an added layer of protection. A mix of water, dish soap, and a small amount of rubbing alcohol works well. Spray the entire plant, making sure to coat the undersides of leaves and any crevices where mealybugs might hide. Repeat this treatment weekly until the infestation is fully under control.
<Image: Mealy bugs on an Echeveria. Photo courtesy of Juicykits>
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Finally, avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight immediately after treatment. The combination of water, soap, and alcohol can make the leaves more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn. Keep the plant in a bright but shaded area for a day or two to allow it to recover.
Mealybug Prevention
The first step in prevention is to maintain a healthy growing environment. Healthy, stress-free succulents are less likely to become targets for pests. Ensure your plants have the right balance of light, water, and air circulation to thrive. Overwatering, in particular, creates a moist environment that attracts mealybugs, so always let the soil dry out between waterings.
Regularly inspecting your succulents is crucial for catching any early signs of mealybugs. Look closely at leaf folds, stem joints, and undersides of leaves where mealybugs like to hide. This routine can help you spot problems before they escalate. Cleaning your plants periodically by gently brushing or rinsing off dust and debris also reduces the likelihood of infestations.
Quarantining new plants before introducing them to your collection is another effective prevention measure. Mealybugs can hitch a ride on newly purchased succulents or plants shared by others. Isolate any new additions for a few weeks, inspecting them regularly for signs of pests before placing them near your existing plants.
Using well-draining soil and pots with drainage holes is also essential. Poorly draining soil can retain excess moisture, creating conditions favorable to mealybugs and other pests. When repotting, make sure to clean pots thoroughly and replace old soil with fresh, sterile potting mix.
If you’ve dealt with infestations before, consider using neem oil or insecticidal soap as a preventative treatment. Applying these products periodically can help deter mealybugs from settling on your succulents.
By staying consistent with these practices, you can create an environment that discourages mealybugs from infesting your succulents, keeping them healthy and pest-free.
Watch the video below to see How to get rid of mealybugs on your succulents
Extra Tips
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Good airflow around your succulents helps prevent the humid, stagnant conditions that mealybugs thrive in. Avoid overcrowding your plants and ensure there’s enough space between them for air to circulate freely.
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Mealybugs and ants often coexist, as ants are attracted to the honeydew produced by mealybugs. Ants can even protect mealybugs from predators, worsening the infestation. Use ant traps or barriers to keep them away from your plants.
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Over-fertilizing succulents can encourage soft, new growth that is particularly attractive to mealybugs. Stick to a light feeding schedule using a diluted fertilizer only during the growing season, and avoid feeding during dormancy.
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If possible, rotate your succulents outdoors during warm weather for a few days. Natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings may help control any early pest activity. Be sure to acclimate your plants to outdoor conditions gradually to avoid sunburn.
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In garden settings, beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, or parasitic wasps can help keep mealybug populations in check. Introducing these predators can be an eco-friendly way to control pests without chemicals.
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For potted succulents, consider refreshing the soil every year or two. Old soil can harbor pests or eggs, and replacing it ensures a cleaner, healthier environment for your plants.
Q&As
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Do mealybugs spread quickly?
Yes, mealybugs spread quickly, especially in warm, humid conditions. Crawlers can move to nearby plants or soil. -
Can mealybugs infest the soil?
Yes, especially root mealybugs, which live in the soil and feed on plant roots, making infestations harder to detect. -
Are mealybugs harmful to humans?
Mealybugs are not harmful to humans, but their sticky honeydew can attract ants and cause mold, creating a mess. -
What plants are most prone to mealybugs?
Succulents, tropical houseplants, and fruit-bearing plants are particularly susceptible to mealybug infestations. -
Do mealybugs slow down in winter?
Mealybugs remain active year-round indoors, but outdoor populations may slow down in colder weather. -
Can mealybugs return after treatment?
Yes, if not fully eradicated, they can reinfest plants, especially if eggs or nymphs are left behind. Regular monitoring is crucial.
Watch the video below (and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more great videos) to know how to treat common houseplant pests!
SEE MORE ABOUT COMMON HOUSEPLANT PESTS AND TREATMENTS
At Succulents Box, we are inspected regularly by the California Department of Agriculture for pests and diseases. We check each succulent carefully before shipping to make sure they are healthy. If you notice anything unusual with your succulents, please notify us right away.
