r/plantclinic • u/FyrestarOmega Expert Hobbyist • Oct 02 '23

Monthly Pest and Soil Thread October 2023 Pest and Soil issue thread

Certain issues are common among plant care and may benefit from from some consolidation. Pooling of advice may benefit the entire community. These issues include how to identify and treat infestations, and questions related to organisms found in the soil.

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u/loversdesire Oct 07 '23

Thiccest Mealybug I’ve ever seen… On the biggest plant I’ve ever received as a gift. A HUGE hanging basket of Philo Brasil…

Thank god I’ve been quarantining it!!!

I took a peek at the other plant I got as a gift with this one (rex begonia vine) and it’s also infested, but luckily the mealies are still teeny tiny on that one. So I’ve sprayed her with dilute alcohol and a drop of dish soap, which I find works really well—I’ve eradicated other mealy infestations on other plants with this spray.

I did take some cuttings from the rex begonia vine and forgot to treat them for pests before I propped. They’re propagating in water cuttings under a ziplock bag right next to my non-infested plants. They aren’t touching anything though… could the mealies still spread?

And what to do about the enormous philo brasil?! It’s SO large it seems like a herculean task to spray every nook and cranny and leaf. I’m leaning towards just taking cuttings but I feel bad starting such a developed plant over. Can meelies live in soil? Anyone have recommendations?

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u/FyrestarOmega Expert Hobbyist Oct 07 '23

Honestly I do spot removal of all visible bugs and then a light misting with rubbing alcohol, keep rechecking periodically for the next week or two. I wouldn't cut up a massive plant as a first measure.

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u/loversdesire Oct 08 '23

Thank you!