Are mealybugs harmful to my plant?

Yes, they drain the plant of nutrients and can cause leaf damage. They can also spread to your other houseplants.

Do I need to use harsh chemicals?

No, rubbing alcohol or mild insecticidal soap is usually enough. Avoid heavy pesticides.

Cylindrical Snake Plant: pests, causes and fixes

Check these first

Look closely at the crevices between the leaves.
Wipe the white spots with a damp cloth to see if they come off.
Check nearby plants for similar white fuzzy patches.

Likely causes

Mealybug Infestation
Most likely
How to tell: You will see white, cottony masses tucked into the folds where the leaves meet. The plant may look slightly wilted or stunted.
What to do: Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and dab it directly onto the white spots. Repeat this every few days until you no longer see any bugs.
New Plant Introduction
Possible
How to tell: You recently brought a new plant home and placed it near your snake plant. Pests often travel from new additions.
What to do: Isolate the affected plant from your other houseplants. Treat the infestation with insecticidal soap or neem oil once a week for a month.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your cylindrical snake plant

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

If the infestation covers the entire plant, it can be very difficult to clear. Treat it as soon as you see the first sign of white fluff.

Stopping it coming back

Inspect new plants carefully before bringing them into your home. Wipe down your plant leaves occasionally to keep them clean.

Cylindrical Snake Plant: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your cylindrical snake plant 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

Are mealybugs harmful to my plant?: Yes, they drain the plant of nutrients and can cause leaf damage. They can also spread to your other houseplants.
Do I need to use harsh chemicals?: No, rubbing alcohol or mild insecticidal soap is usually enough. Avoid heavy pesticides.

Guides to these causes

Mealybugs

What are these white spots on my Cylindrical Snake Plant?