Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Look closely in the tight crevices between the leaves.
- Check for sticky residue on the leaves or the surface below the plant.
- Isolate the plant from your other succulents.
Likely causes
Mealybug Infestation
Most likelyHow to tell: You see small, white, cottony masses tucked between the leaves. The leaves may also look sticky or start to yellow.
What to do: Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and touch it directly to the bugs to kill them on contact. Repeat this every few days until you see no more pests.
New Plant Introduction
PossibleHow to tell: Pests appear shortly after bringing a new plant into your home.
What to do: Always inspect new plants closely before placing them near your other succulents. If you find pests, isolate the plant immediately to stop them from spreading.
Find out what's wrong with your zebra 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
If the infestation covers the entire plant and the leaves are dropping, it is a serious problem. A few isolated bugs are easy to manage with quick treatment.
Stopping it coming back
Keep your plant healthy with proper light and airflow, and inspect it regularly during your watering routine.
Zebra plant: pests? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your zebra 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Will these bugs kill my plant?
- If left untreated, they will drain the plant of nutrients and cause it to decline. Treat them as soon as you spot them.
- Can I use insecticidal soap?
- Yes, but be careful to avoid getting too much soap in the center of the plant where it can cause rot. Rubbing alcohol is usually safer for succulents.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Zebra plant
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.