Question
I have had my wax plant for about 10 or 12 years.  Right now it is in a fairly big pot and sits in my kitchen between east window and south window.  It seems to have a problem with mealy bugs.  I spray it now and then with a mixture of alcohol and water and wipe of the mealy bugs or cotton substance.  What can I do to get rid of the pests or do I have to just endure to get pleasure from that plant.  It is so beautiful.  It is one of my favorites among many that I have.

Answer
Hi Dorothy,

The key to eliminating mealybugs is to spray really thoroughly. A mix of 5 parts water, 1 part alcohol and a squirt of liquid soap is effective. However, you must spray all leaf and stem surfaces (top, bottom, sides) until they are dripping wet. The spray has to get in all the nooks and crannies. If you miss a few of the nearly invisible juveniles, they will survive and reproduce and the problem will return.

This is a messy chore, but it is the only way for it to be effective.

Just as an aside, keep your Wax Plant tightly potted, in good sunlight and allow the soil to dry deep into the pot between waterings. Fertilize sparingly.

I have written an article on plant pests that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who sends 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

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