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Donkey's Tail · Sedum morganianum

How do I get rid of mealybugs on my Donkey's Tail?

Mealybugs love to hide in the tight, overlapping leaves of a Donkey's Tail. They look like tiny bits of white cotton and suck the sap from your plant. Check the crevices between the leaves closely.

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

Check these first

  1. Look closely at the base of each leaf for white fuzz.
  2. Check the undersides of the stems.
  3. Isolate the plant from your other houseplants.

Likely causes

  1. Mealybug Infestation

    Most likely

    How to tell: You see white, fuzzy patches 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. For larger infestations, spray the plant with insecticidal soap every 7 days.

  2. New Plant Introduction

    Possible

    How to tell: Pests appear shortly after bringing a new plant home. Other nearby plants might also show signs of white fuzz.

    What to do: Always quarantine new plants for 2 weeks before placing them near your other succulents. Inspect them thoroughly for any signs of pests before moving them.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your donkey's tail

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 dropping, it is a severe case. Treat immediately to prevent the bugs from spreading to your other plants.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant healthy with proper light and airflow. Regularly inspect the tight spaces between leaves for any signs of white cottony growth.

Donkey's Tail: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your donkey's tail 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 rubbing alcohol hurt my plant?
Standard 70 percent rubbing alcohol is safe for succulents when applied directly to the pests. Avoid soaking the entire plant in it.
Do I need to repot if I find mealybugs?
Not always, but it is a good idea if the infestation is heavy. Sometimes mealybugs hide in the soil or on the roots.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Donkey's Tail

Back to the Donkey's Tail 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.