Dear Molly, You left a comment on my hoya blog post a while ago and so I thought of you when I noticed these insects on my plant this morning. Do you recognize this pest and do you have any suggestions to rid my plant of them? As you can see from the photos, it has grown quite large.
I so appreciate any help you can offer.
Hi,Your Hoya is loving the spring – there are so many nice new vines! I am more than happy to help, but please can you send a larger picture of the single leaf – I lose too much definitioon zooming in on the bugs. They may be mealy bugs, but as soon as you send me a clearer image of them, I’ll ID them and give you a plan of attack!
Molly
Read more about Pests and Diseases you may encounter.
Mealy Bugs
There are many different types of Mealy Bug, all favouring the warm, humid conditions that you want to provide your Tropical Plants with. Similarly to Scale Insects, they use a waxy layer to protect themselves and their newly hatched offspring, whilst feeding on your plant. The appearance is of ‘cotton wool’ growths near leaf axils.
Mealy bugs can be a pain – rubbing alcohol or similar can be effective when applied directly. Change the compost and look out for any woolly nests hiding ion the soil or near the roots. They can hide in pot rims & saucers too, so a thorough inspection and a few shots of alcohol on offenders will be needed. Regular ongoing checks will need to be done too, and you may have to revert to pesticides if you have an infestation.
Prevention invovles a close eye on your new additions, some regular TLC for your plants and the provision of a healthy, well-balanced environment. Healthy plants are not usually as succeptible to infestations.