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Delosperma

What are these white fuzzy spots on my ice plant?

Those white, cottony patches are likely mealybugs, which love to hide in the crevices of your ice plant. They feed on the plant sap and can weaken it if left alone.

Not sure it's this? Check a photo of your plant for free

pests on a plant
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Look closely at the joints where leaves meet the stem.
  2. Check the undersides of the leaves for white cottony webs.
  3. Isolate the plant from others to prevent the bugs from spreading.

Likely causes

  1. Mealybugs

    Most likely

    How to tell: You see small, white, fluffy masses in the leaf axils or along the stems. The plant may look stunted or lose vigor.

    What to do: Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and touch it directly to the bugs to kill them on contact. For larger infestations, spray the plant with insecticidal soap every 7 days.

  2. Poor Air Circulation

    Possible

    How to tell: The plant is crowded by other pots or sitting in a stagnant corner.

    What to do: Move your plant to a spot with better airflow. This makes it harder for pests to settle in and thrive.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your delosperma

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.

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When to worry

A few bugs can be managed easily, but if the entire plant is covered in white fuzz, it is a serious infestation. It is normal to see a stray bug occasionally if you keep your plants outdoors.

Stopping it coming back

Inspect your plants weekly for any signs of pests. Keep the plant in full sun to keep it strong and less attractive to insects.

Delosperma: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your delosperma 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.

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Questions people ask

Will mealybugs kill my ice plant?
They can weaken the plant significantly over time. It is best to treat them as soon as you spot them.
Do I need to use harsh chemicals?
No, rubbing alcohol or mild insecticidal soap is usually enough to clear up an ice plant. Avoid heavy pesticides.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Delosperma

Back to the Delosperma guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.