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Bear Paw · Dactylopsis digitata

What are these white bugs on my Bear Paw?

Mealybugs love to hide in the fuzzy crevices of Bear Paw leaves. They look like tiny bits of white cotton and can quickly sap the energy from your plant.

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

Check these first

  1. Inspect the crevices between the leaves closely.
  2. Look for sticky residue on the leaves or the surface below the plant.
  3. Isolate the plant from your other succulents.

Likely causes

  1. Mealybug Infestation

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see white, fuzzy patches in the leaf joints or along the stems.

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

  2. Poor Air Circulation

    Possible

    How to tell: The plant is in a stagnant corner where pests can easily settle.

    What to do: Move the plant to a spot with better airflow. Gently wipe the leaves with a soft brush to keep them clean.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your bear paw

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

If the infestation covers the entire plant and the leaves are turning yellow or wilting, the plant is in serious trouble. A few bugs can be managed easily with patience.

Stopping it coming back

Check your plant regularly when you water it. Keeping the plant in bright, direct sun helps it stay strong enough to resist pests.

Bear Paw: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your bear paw 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

Should I use insecticidal soap?
Be careful with soaps on fuzzy plants, as they can sometimes damage the leaves. Rubbing alcohol is usually safer and more effective for Bear Paw.
Can these bugs spread to my other plants?
Yes, mealybugs spread easily. Keep the infected plant away from your other greenery until it is completely clear.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Bear Paw

Back to the Bear Paw 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.