Common Pests that Might be Eating Your Aeonium

There are as many as 35 different varieties of the aeonium. Typically, an aeonium is characterized by its unique rubbery look and comes in various shades of green, bronze, yellow and purple, giving it an instant appeal. The leaves are thick and fleshy set in a lovely rosette pattern. The following are some pests that may attack your aeonium.

Mealybugs

Mealybugs are small white insects that commonly attack the plant roots, drawing sap from the tissues. They resemble small bits of cotton and cause yellowing of the plant. Plant leaves may also drop. Mealybugs produce honeydew which attracts ants and encourages sooty mold, an unsightly black fungal growth. Encouraging the presence of lady beetles is helpful in combating mealybugs. Remove infested plants.

Spider Mites

Spider mites are common in hot and dry conditions. Mites often spin a web around the infested leaves and flowers. They cause yellowing of the aeonium arboreum and cause leaves to drop. If heavily infested, death results. Regular watering eases dry conditions and is helpful as a control measure. Keeping weed growth down is also helpful. Infested plants should be removed.

Aphids

Aphids are small insects of various colors that draw fluid from the succulent plant resulting in stunted growth and deformity of buds and leaves. As a control measure, keep weed growth at a minimum.