Question
Hi Tracy,
I have a problem with white stuff on the leaves of house plants ( corn plant and Ivy ).  I move a lot of my plants to my classroom and other places in the school building for the winter.  That's when I notice the white stuff starting.  It does spread. It's on the stems and the leaves. I've really never examined it with my hands, so I don't know if it is bugs or mildew. If it's bugs, they are tiny! Otherwise, the plants are healthy.   I think it's in the building. The school is 3 years old...brand new building. any help you can give is greatly appreciated.

Answer
Hi Beth,

This question was referred to me.

I suspect the 'white stuff' you refer to has a soft cotton-like texture and are mealybugs. If so, they are plant pests and cannot be blamed on the building. Sorry!

Here is the best way to treat mealybugs. Mix a solution of 5 parts water and 1 part rubbing alcohol with a squirt of liquid dish soap. Then thoroughly drench each plant so that all leaf and stem surfaces are dripping wet. Yes, this is a messy project, but maybe it is one that your students would enjoy helping you with! You must get complete coverage because if you miss a few of the nearly invisible juveniles, they will survive, reproduce and come back again. If you are really thorough, then a single treatment should do the trick.

I have written an article on plant pests that I will email for free to anyone who sends a request to me at my address below.

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