Will soap kill mealybugs?

Yes, a mild insecticidal soap can work, but be careful not to damage the plant's protective wax coating. Rubbing alcohol is usually safer for Echeveria.

Do I need to throw the plant away?

Not usually. Mealybugs are annoying but can be controlled with patience and regular cleaning.

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

Check these first

Look closely in the crevices between leaves.
Check if the white spots are fuzzy or cottony.
Inspect nearby plants for similar signs.

Likely causes

Mealybug Infestation
Most likely
How to tell: You see small, white, cottony masses in the leaf axils. The plant may look stunted or have yellowing leaves.
What to do: Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and touch it directly to the bugs to kill them. Repeat this every few days until you see no more pests.
New Plant Introduction
Possible
How to tell: Pests appear shortly after bringing a new plant home. Other nearby plants may also show signs of infestation.
What to do: Isolate the affected plant immediately. Check all your other plants for signs of bugs and treat them as needed.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your echeveria

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

A few bugs are manageable, but a heavy infestation can kill the plant. Treat it as soon as you spot the first one.

Stopping it coming back

Inspect new plants before bringing them home and keep your Echeveria clean and free of dead leaves where bugs like to hide.

Echeveria: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your echeveria 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 soap kill mealybugs?: Yes, a mild insecticidal soap can work, but be careful not to damage the plant's protective wax coating. Rubbing alcohol is usually safer for Echeveria.
Do I need to throw the plant away?: Not usually. Mealybugs are annoying but can be controlled with patience and regular cleaning.

Guides to these causes

Mealybugs

What are these white spots on my Echeveria?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your echeveria?