Does anyone know what kind of insect this is? I found it on my Calathea and I want to make sure it’s not something that is going to harm my other plants. It kinda looks like it may be a young pill bug, but I’ve never seen one before so that’s just my guess after perusing google. First picture is of its back, the second is of it’s belly, and the third is me pointing at where I found it on the plant.
It kind of looks like an adult mealy bug. Can you see any white cotton like stuff in any crooks of the plant?
1 like No white cotton and I found the bug just above the crevice where the two stems meet
1 likeThat’s a mealybug! And yes it is harmful to plants, and will spread to other plants nearby :( The affected plant should be quarantined away from other plants. Use a cotton ball or swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to kill all visible mealybugs, then spray the whole plant down with alcohol (you can dilute with water if you’re worried about affecting the plant — I just use 70% alcohol straight from the bottle). Make sure you get all the nooks and crannies, they hide all over. Keep the plant quarantined for awhile, and repeat the treatment a few times a week until you’re sure they’re gone.
4 likes
I second this
0 likesThat’s what I do, and I haven’t had issues with it! Maybe my approach is too scorched earth, lol
1 like
Mealy bug!
1 like I have a very similar calathea and just discovered some on mine as well. They are super tiny and not big like that but I think it’s been a very slow infestation for me. Some of my newest growth has died which is trademark for them! I have alcohol swaps and am using those for now- but may turn to rubbing alcohol if it’s now cutting it! I hope you have success with yours as well!
0 likes
Some plants maybe more sensitive. Test a leaf before spraying the entire plant with rubbing alcohol. Wait a day or 2 to determine if the alcohol burns the leaves. You don’t have many mealybugs. Spot treatment with alcohol on a cotton swab on visible bugs should be sufficient followed by soapy spray in the creases, under the pot and the area where the pot sits. Treat once a week with a soapy spray until they are all gone.
3 likes
This is good advice. You can also dilute the alcohol spray a little for more sensitive plants/leaves.
1 like