Yes, that's mealybug. You will probably find that the plant smells odd as well. Spraying with soapy water and additionally removing the white bits using a cotton bud dipped in a mixture of water, washing up liquid and vegetable oil will get rid of most of it.
It's only fair to warn you though that it's a devil of a job eradicating it thoroughly and any bit left will multiply again. It is possible to get rid completely but you'll have to be vigilant!
You will probably find some of the bug where the stem goes into the soil as well as on the leaves. Also look carefully at the leaf joints under the leaves. It's a horrible insect and it loves aeoniums of all types I've found to my cost.
One other thing I forgot to mention, isolate the plant if you can and if you have any other succulents, check them over carefully to make sure they aren't showing signs of the pest.
I've never had it infect any other house plant than succulents, and then principally aeoniums which is at least some good news for you.
I don't think it is mealy bug, at least not as described by Lancashire Lass. The white patches in the photos are mostly reflected light. Some of the remaining leaves look nibbled - similar to vine weevil damage, and there are black holes in the stems. I found a 'maggot' in a rolled up leaf tip but that was the only sign of life. Still wondering what the tiny black speckles could be. One of the stems was a bit mushy at the tip so I've cut it down.
I kept mine in a heated conservatory last year and they looked really worse for wear by the end of the winter - losing the majority of their leaves (no mealy bug though) I only give them a little water every week or so. They did perk up when I put them outside again in spring and looked amazing this summer - I also managed to take 6-8 cuttings from one that had got far too tall and lanky.
This year I have put them in my unheated potting shed so they are not wet and cold, but not too warm, and will only water every month or so,when I think they need it.
They need a south facing window and 100% not a north facing one. That is the reason the plant looks awful as it is desperate for light and is now etiolated. They need light and as much light as possible.
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The white patches aren't as bad as shown in photo.
As you can see this is a DISASTER. I look forward to your opinions.
Yes, that's mealybug. You will probably find that the plant smells odd as well. Spraying with soapy water and additionally removing the white bits using a cotton bud dipped in a mixture of water, washing up liquid and vegetable oil will get rid of most of it.
It's only fair to warn you though that it's a devil of a job eradicating it thoroughly and any bit left will multiply again. It is possible to get rid completely but you'll have to be vigilant!
You will probably find some of the bug where the stem goes into the soil as well as on the leaves. Also look carefully at the leaf joints under the leaves. It's a horrible insect and it loves aeoniums of all types I've found to my cost.
Good luck with it.
One other thing I forgot to mention, isolate the plant if you can and if you have any other succulents, check them over carefully to make sure they aren't showing signs of the pest.
I've never had it infect any other house plant than succulents, and then principally aeoniums which is at least some good news for you.
Thank you all.
I don't think it is mealy bug, at least not as described by Lancashire Lass. The white patches in the photos are mostly reflected light. Some of the remaining leaves look nibbled - similar to vine weevil damage, and there are black holes in the stems. I found a 'maggot' in a rolled up leaf tip but that was the only sign of life. Still wondering what the tiny black speckles could be. One of the stems was a bit mushy at the tip so I've cut it down.
I keep mine in a south facing conservatory and treat them like cactus but it sounds like it may be too hot for them in Summer.
I may keep them in over Winter then cut them down in Spring and put them in the greenhouse for Summer.
Back to Pauline's problem. I still think it looks like mealy bug, maybe you have more than one pest eating the plant?
I kept mine in a heated conservatory last year and they looked really worse for wear by the end of the winter - losing the majority of their leaves (no mealy bug though) I only give them a little water every week or so. They did perk up when I put them outside again in spring and looked amazing this summer - I also managed to take 6-8 cuttings from one that had got far too tall and lanky.
This year I have put them in my unheated potting shed so they are not wet and cold, but not too warm, and will only water every month or so,when I think they need it.
" I placed the pot in the north facing window"
They need a south facing window and 100% not a north facing one. That is the reason the plant looks awful as it is desperate for light and is now etiolated. They need light and as much light as possible.