Question
I have had a jade plant for about 10 years.  It has suddenly become infested with mealy bugs.  I have tried soap and water and alcohol. I washed each leaf one at a time.  They are slowly reappearing.  I have sentimental value to this plant.  Is there any way to permanently get ride of these bugs.  I was thinking of putting it outside, hose it off and redo the alcohol but I'm not sure what temperature is good and what amount of sunlight it can withstand.
Can you help?

Answer
Hi Kathleen,

Hand wiping individual leaves is not an effective way to treat mealybugs. The problem is that the juvenile mealies are virtually invisible and they hide in tiny spaces where leaves attach to stems. Wiping misses those and they end up reproducing and maturing a few weeks or months down the road. Using Q-Tips is even less effective.

Mix a solution of 5 parts water, 1 part rubbing alcohol and a squirt of liquid dish soap in a sprayer. Then thoroughly spray all leaf and stem surfaces until they are dripping wet. Thoroughness is the key here. After that, you can spray the Jade with plain water to dislodge any carcasses. Observe your plant carefully over the next several weeks and be prepared to spot spray if you see any new mealies that you may have missed.

You can spray outside, but only on a cloudy day or in the shade. Water droplets will magnify the sun's rays and damage the leaves.

Jades do best in maximum light when indoors and light shade when outdoors. They are tolerant of temps down to 40 degrees F. and up to 85 degrees F.

I have written articles on treating plant pests and on Jade care that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who emails a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at: A link to HorticulturalHelp.com