I started growing an avocado tree from the seed of a haas avocado a few years ago. I sort of just left it alone and watered it when it needed to be watered. It got really tall with no branches because I never pruned it. I’m thinking about throwing it out because I think it has pests on it. I don’t do much with plants so I don’t know if they are bad or harmful. Help would be appreciated! Thanks.
This is a long tailed mealy bug, it looks like. BAD BAD BAD. Destroy the bug. Females can produce asexually. They are notoriously hard to control. Lady bugs can control these but then you’ve got ladybugs lol. Since they’re oily, they repel liquid so sprays tend to not work. Isopropyl alcohol can help with eggs. Pyrethroids such as bifenthrin you can get at Home Depot and it will kill mealybugs but it will also kill any beneficials.
4 likes Just edited my comment.
0 likes I actually brought one of these home on an apple once, narrowly avoided an infestation. It really depends on how much you love the plant, to be honest. I just faced off with spider mites and then thrips.. at the end of the day I should have started over lol.
0 likesOk I’ll throw it away. I don’t have many plants but the avocado tree is sitting right next to my orchid 😬. Thanks for all the help!
1 like UUUF. Make sure to check your orchid “Favorite hosts include many of the various soft and juicy plants that we like to spruce up our homes with, such as orchids, and various types of cacti and succulents.”
0 likes No problem! As it is, pests are just something that are going to happen. I’ve learned being proactive rather than reactive helps. And one day.. one day I’ll try proactive 😂
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