Question
I just found your recommendation to use Bayer Tree & Shrub Protect & Feed to treat Mealy Bugs on ponytail plants.  I have 2 small plants in 6 inch pots that are infested.  The problem is that there are no mixing instructions on the Bayer for house plants, so I have no idea how much product to use.

Also, will the foliage become toxic should my 5 year old grandson decide to handle it?

My feed & seed store carries Bonide Tree & Shrub Insect Killer at a price which is a little less than the Bayer.  Would the Bonide do just as well?

Answer
Claudia,

The foliage would not be poisonous to the touch but it would make a small child or pet sick if they eat the foliage.

I have never found bonide very effective and it does not last long. See the bottle for length of time that it is effective.  Sorry I got side tracked on th reason for the mealybugs.

Darlene

Claudia,

My bottle has instructions for potted trees. 1 2/3 tablespoons per 5 gallons of water. or 1 1/4 teaspoons per gallon of water.

But lets also talk about why your ponytail palm has mealybugs to begin with. During the winter unless they are in a location that gets full sun they do not need much water. One in a one gallon size pot would only need 1/2 cup of water once a month. If it is in full sun all day long it only needs 1 cup of water once a month. The large bulb at the base of the plant holds a lot of water and the plant needs to use that during the winter month when the days are shorter. If you are giving it a lot of water it is weakening the plants survival systems. Insects usually attack weaker plants. Cut back on the water and use rubbing alcohol to spray on the insects that are currently there and that will kill them. You need to respray every 3 days for at least 3-4 weeks to kill any new ones that hatch from eggs.

If the plant is sitting in a tray of water immediately empty it. Next time you repot the plant use a cactus soil mix or mix potting soil half and half with play sand that you can get at Lowes or Menards. If you have more questions feel free to write again. Good luck.

Darlene