Question
First I would like to know about these tiny black flying insects that have invaded a Peace Lily.  What are these bugs and  how did the plant get infested, and how to treat the plant to rid them.  I tried spraying with insecticide soap but the plant continued to deteriorate.
Secondly, I had a lovely Jade Plant which I started to notice white "foamy" areas at the base of leaves (esp. newer ones.)  I used alcohol pads to wipe the areas and would find very tiny black bugs.  Can you tell me what these are and how to treat?  thank you!

Answer
Vickie,
T
The fungus gnats are like fruit flies that attack overripe bananas on your kitchen counter. They come out of nowhere when they smell overripe fruit and they are all over it. Fungus gnats smell rotting roots on your plant and are all over the soil laying eggs so their larva can eat the rooting roots. They do not eat anything but already rotting roots. The roots are rotting because you are keeping your plant way too wet. You should only water peace lilies when it has been dry for 4 days and it is feeling very light weight. If the soil drys out well between waterings the roots do not rot and you do not have fungus gnats. You should cut the amount of water you give the plant in half. You should always empty the drain tray an hour after watering the plant. Plants should never be in pots that don't have drain holes and drain trays under them. Good drainage is an absolute necessity.

The bits of cotton on the jade are mealy bugs. The only thing that will kill them and not harm the plant is rubbing alcohol. Put a bottle of alcohol in a spray bottle and spray the plant every 3 days for 2 months. You must be consistant to kill any eggs that hatch out. Insecticides will kill the plant. This will work. Just be consistant. Good luck.

Darlene