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African milk tree · Euphorbia trigona

What are these white fuzzy spots on my African milk tree?

Those fuzzy white spots are likely mealybugs, which love to hide in the ridges of your African milk tree. They feed on plant sap and can weaken your plant 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 in the ridges of the stem for white fuzz.
  2. Check the undersides of any remaining leaves.
  3. Isolate the plant from other houseplants.

Likely causes

  1. Mealybugs

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see small, white, cottony masses tucked into the crevices of the stem. The plant may also look stunted or lose leaves.

    What to do: Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and dab it directly onto the bugs to kill them. Repeat this process every few days until you see no more pests.

  2. Scale Insects

    Possible

    How to tell: Small, hard, brown bumps that look like tiny shields on the stem.

    What to do: Gently scrape the bumps off with a fingernail or a soft brush. Wipe the area with a cloth soaked in soapy water or neem oil.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your african milk tree

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 are manageable, but a full infestation can drain the plant of energy. Treat them as soon as you spot them.

Stopping it coming back

Inspect new plants before bringing them home and keep your plant in a well ventilated area. Wipe the stems down occasionally to keep them clean.

African milk tree: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your african milk tree 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 neem oil hurt my plant?
Neem oil is safe if used in the evening to avoid leaf burn from direct sun. Always test a small area first.
Do I need to throw the plant away?
No, mealybugs are treatable with patience. Just keep checking the plant regularly for new signs of life.

Guides to these causes

More problems with African milk tree

Back to the African milk tree 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.