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I was soaking my Xerographica last night and I noticed this white… | Pests, diseases and problems | Planta community

Ms.Issy

I was soaking my Xerographica last night and I noticed this white splotch. I picked at it with my nail and it didn’t move. It doesn’t feel particularly fuzzy. I also didn’t notice them anywhere else besides what’s shown in the photo. Could this be mealy bugs? Or just a particularly dense grouping of the normal white trichomes on the leaves? Should I try wiping at them with alcohol or spraying the plant with Neem oil just in case? I was hesitant to do that to an airplant for some reason.

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6 comments

  1. S.R

    That doesn’t look like mealy bugs to me!

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    • Ms.Issy

      😮‍💨 this is my first Xerographica & she’s is my favorite (🤫 don’t tell my other plants); the possibility was really scary 🫣 I’m relatively new to plants, so the help is appreciated 🌱

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  2. Bee 🐝

    I’m not sure about neem oil, I’d think it would be ok. But I have used captain jack organic bug spray on the same plant when I brought it home from the greenhouse. I sprayed the entire thing, including the inside. (I didn’t drown it, but you get my point.) I did this after watering it first, as I didn’t want it to soak up the spray if that makes sense. Then I let it air dry, and it didn’t harm mine at all. But maybe do some research online first about the neem oil. Especially since it looks so big, it’s a shame to lose them! I hope this helps

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    • Ms.Issy

      Thank you for the name of an alternative solution! I plan to do more research on Neem oil. She is a big girl! Luckily she’s hanging in a window and not very close to other plants. Just in case.

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    • Bee 🐝

      Yes Neem oil can be great, But beware (if you have never used it before) it does have a very strong smell.. Caught me off guard the first time I used it 😂

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    • Ms.Issy

      I have used it before once. I had my bathroom fan on, but it was so strong I brought in a small electric fan to help 🤣 👃🏻

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