Yall my very large monstera plant has a huge infestation of the lovely mealy bugs. I just sprayed all seasons horticultural spray and wiped off as many as I could see…please tell me what I should do. I’m thinking of honestly propagating and focusing on those cuttings to start over. I just don’t know if it’s possible to really get rid of them. Help🆘‼️
I’ve heard good things about utilizing Neem oil and alcohol every week or two. Physically removing them is also an option but it sounds like combined attack is what you’ll need to do. I was also reading the other day about predatory mites that led to reading about how people are setting up small greenhouses to out their plant in before releasing ladybugs to clear up mealy bugs. Check out suggestions on Reddit under r/houseplants or r/indoorgardening. Good luck!
2 Likes Thank you!! I’ll try
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Yeah you can get a pet lady bug!
0 Likes Unfortunately I live in an apartment and I won’t be able to have lady bugs😭😭
0 Likes I think if you only had one though they would stay close to the food and be cute
0 Likes Maybe just one or two…hopefully my roommates wouldn’t noticed
1 Like I just read about mealy bugs sounds scary! I've never heard of that before
0 Likes I have never had them before but I know they are a pain in the behind. That’s why I’m considering just starting over as much as it pains me to throw away hard work🥲
1 Like Sad!
0 LikesTouching the bugs directly with alcohol is the most effective method. Physically remove any adults you can. Retreat every 5 days to ensure you're getting the young ones as they develop. The entire lifespan of a mealy bug is about 32 days, so if you're clear for two months, you're done. Also be as gentle as possible with the alcohol; it can burn the plant. You want to get it on mealies and mealy eggs, but avoid the plant as much as possible. Repot and entirely replace the soil to remive any hidden eggs
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Agree with this. Wipe down the leaves and stems etc to get rid of any of the dead ones you sprayed already. Then put some rubbing alcohol into a little soda lid, dab a q-tip into it and gently press it onto every white fluff or any of the non-fluffy mealies with it. You’ll see the colour turn orange. Monitor closely. I check the plant daily and if a new mealy pops up I will get it again with the q-tip and rubbing alcohol. If you’re diligent you can absolutely get rid of them. Repotting is also an excellent suggestion.
2 Likes I was thinking to repot but my question of concern is that wouldnt they lay eggs in the new soil anyway? I was thinking maybe wait 2 weeks and the replace it…I’m not sure 🤔
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Do all of the above and if your apartment has a balcony then I'd suggest putting it out there if theres enough room
0 Likes I have a porch is it okay there?
1 Like Yeah that should be fine
1 LikeI’ve dealt with them plenty of times and have found the best success with insecticidal soap and mixture of neem oil, dawn, and a little hydrogen peroxide. I would recommend bringing the plant outside or put it in the shower/bath and spray every leaf (front and back) and stems with the insecticidal soap and scrub with a microfiber towel. I then rinse with water and spray the entire plant again with the neem oil mixture and polish each leaf with a microfiber towel. Do this once a week until the pests no longer come back, It is tedious work but it has saved many of my plants!
1 Like Honestly I don’t mind the effort. She’s my proudest plant. Thank you!!
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