Mealy Bugs on Indoor Jade Plants (Gritty Mix)

7 years ago

Hi all,

I've been dealing with a mealy bug infestation on a number of jades that I have grouped under a grow light. I have been dabbing with rubbing alcohol weekly to no avail--they seem to be back, albeit in lower numbers on certain plants, every week. I'm beginning to think that the eggs are in the soil/impossible-to-reach spacing between leaves...which brings me to my questions:

What is the best spray for mealy bugs on jade plants, specifically?
Will alcohol/water/soap sprays kill the eggs/bugs that may be hiding in gritty mix soil? If so, should I soak the gritty mix or just mist/spray the top layer?
Will such mixtures harm the roots?
At what point should I use a systemic solution, and what would you recommend for a jade?

I've seen a lot of threads on this topic with a number of suggestions, but I was not sure if there is something that is particularly effective and safe for jade plants.

Thanks in advance for the advice!

Featured Answer

Kim

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

I used a super dilute mix, and truly it is hard to avoid the soil entirely no matter what. Others may chime in with their experiences, but mine are such that I didnt have many problems. A couple of my Hoya got some weird spots on leaves, and my aeonium really didnt seem to like it when sprayed on the leaves.

Granted, the Aeonium came with a raging infestation I didnt spot until I got home and I ended up tossing the plant eventually. Jade was fine. Really, wouldnt hit the soil unless it was a concern the bugs where in there... the lady at the nursery/garden center I bought the other spray from told me to hit the soil too with the stuff, but I dont know. No insecticide is particularly great for the plant, its all about damage control.

Also, when I water I nearly always water until water drains through the pots, which probably helps.

My experience is they come in waves, and by the time you have knocked them back a couple times its pretty well over. I do watch like a hawk for these things, probably more so than is necessary... but I hate these things in the ways that people hate differing political opinions.

Edit: I like your approach Becky. May have to try that... with loose soil mixes upside down doesnt always work, but makes good sense and I may try that in the future.

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Comments (6)

ewwmayo
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Try spraying alcohol to get in the crevices. Multiple treatments are usually required Not many things really kill the eggs though (protective casing).

Try this thread for other options: http://www.houzz.com/r/5/3742440/

Soaps are all toxic to plants, to some extent. Ones sold as Insecticidal are less damaging.

Jades aren't particularly sensitive to certain pesticides, but check the other thread.

Mealybugs normally lay eggs on the plant, although I guess there can be exceptions.
Kim
7 years ago
My usual approach to mealy bugs consists first of alcohol treatments (spray on the soil and swab directly on every stinking bug I see), and if that doesn't do the trick and I have grown impatient with bug swabbing, I have had very good luck with a product called Safer EndALL insect killer.

Doesn't do much for spider mites I am afraid, but works well on mealy bugs. Not sure if it has an insecticidal soap or not, but I have a few plants that obviously hate the alcohol spray which prompted me to get this.
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moonlitexile
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks for the feedback. I'll review the thread you suggested and post with any follow-up, as needed.
breton2
7 years ago
I would spray the whole plant till it drips with alcohol, and repeat in a week or so.
Becky
7 years ago
I've had good luck spraying with alcohol, making sure you turn the plant upside down until it's completely dripping. Wait a bit, then rinse and put in a shady spot so the leaves don't get burnt.

@Kim does spraying on the soil hurt the plants? I would think absorbing alcohol would harm them

Mealy Bugs on Indoor Jade Plants (Gritty Mix)

Kim

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ewwmayo

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Mealy Bugs on Indoor Jade Plants (Gritty Mix)

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