My diffenbacchia has been fighting mealy bugs for 2 years. I’ve tried everything - repotting, sprays, washes… but every new leaf that comes up has mealy bugs in it. He just seems so limp and sad. I read that it may be worth cutting the whole thing back and propagating from the stalk. But given he’s had mealy bugs since he was a baby… I’m worried it won’t resolve the issue. Am I a terrible plant mom if I let him go to the grave yard and just find myself a new bug-free plant 😭
Well now I think I know what’s wrong with mine. Goodness. I’m about to try beneficial insects on my whole collection
0 likes Mealy bugs are evil
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Having succulents means that I am vigilant looking for mealy bugs because they seem to love them. I have developed a routine that has been very successful. First step is they are in quarantine for a three week minimum. They get sprayed every three days with a product called Systemica. You could use an alternative but I don’t use neem oil on my succulents. This product also enters the plant and repels bugs from eating the plant. This routine has been working very well. And to make sure the bugs don’t get out of hand I will use Bonide Systemic a couple times a year. That application last 8 weeks. But I have not used it since last fall. Probably do a round on all the plants next month. I did have 200 plants last fall. Down to about 160 currently and I have two plants in quarantine. I’m hoping to completely eliminate the mealy bugs after this treatment of Bonide. But I’m sure that’s wishful thinking. The other step I added is that I spray every plant with Systemica at every watering. Mealy bugs used to be a major problem until I started this routine.
0 likes I just checked your Planta. You don’t have many plants. I would start treating all of them every three days. You more than likely have mealy bugs on other plants.
1 like So far I haven’t seen evidence elsewhere 🤞 Duffy had some space from other plants being in the foyer. My other plants tend to suffer from fungus gnats but that seems to be under control at the moment. I’ll look into the Systemica- thanks!
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I like to spray with isopropyl alcohol into all the little crevices! Since it evaporates it doesn’t seem to cause any issues for me at least.
0 likes70% alcohol is my go to. Has worked for me. Also look up the peroxide & water mixture that works on the potting media. I've never tried it myself but others have had great luck using it.
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