You Ask – Mike Answers!
Ask our Head Grower, Mike Hicks, all of your burning planty questions.
The question below was emailed to us last month:
Hi Mike,
How do I control mealy bugs on my houseplants?
Mike says:
Mealybugs can be tough to control. Try using insecticidal soap or horticultural oil once a week, for 6 weeks. Neem oil won’t do the trick. To truly get rid of them, it’s best to rotate between products as well (one week oil, one week insecticidal soap). Systemic and contact chemicals are ineffective on adults due to their waxy coating and efficacy of the chemicals.
By spraying once a week, you are catching the emerging young or eggs, and you will be able to rid yourself of them. Make sure to spray thoroughly in the crevasses of the stems, petioles, crown and leaves as they like to hide in these cozy corners.
Mike is Frond of These
Albuca ‘Frizzle Sizzle’
Philodendron ‘Pink Princess’
Mangave ‘Black Magic’ PPAF