Will neem oil kill mealybugs?

Yes, neem oil is effective, but be careful not to apply it in direct sunlight as it can burn the leaves. Use it in the evening instead.

Do I need to isolate my plant?

Yes, move the infested plant away from your other plants immediately. Mealybugs travel easily and will quickly move to your healthy collection.

What are these white spots on my aeonium? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Look closely at the center of the rosettes for white, fuzzy bugs.
Check the undersides of the leaves for sticky residue.
Inspect nearby plants to see if the pests have spread.

Likely causes

Mealybug Infestation
Most likely
How to tell: You see white, fuzzy, cotton-like spots in the leaf joints or along the stem. The plant may look stunted or have sticky residue on the leaves.
What to do: Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and dab it directly onto the pests to kill them on contact. For larger infestations, spray the entire plant with insecticidal soap every 7 days until they are gone.
Poor Air Circulation
Possible
How to tell: The plant is kept in a very stagnant area, which encourages pests to settle in. The leaves may look dusty or dull.
What to do: Move your aeonium to a spot with better airflow. Gently wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your aeonium

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Small numbers of mealybugs are manageable, but a heavy infestation can weaken the plant significantly. Act quickly to prevent them from spreading to your other plants.

Stopping it coming back

Inspect your plant every time you water it to catch new pests early. Keep your aeonium in a well ventilated area to discourage bugs.

Aeonium: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your aeonium and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Will neem oil kill mealybugs?: Yes, neem oil is effective, but be careful not to apply it in direct sunlight as it can burn the leaves. Use it in the evening instead.
Do I need to isolate my plant?: Yes, move the infested plant away from your other plants immediately. Mealybugs travel easily and will quickly move to your healthy collection.

Guides to these causes

Mealybugs

What are these white spots on my aeonium?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your aeonium?