Question
QUESTION: Hello there, I've had a Pachira for a few months now. In the last three months i noticed certain leaves were completely brown, not shrivled, just changed colour. These newly browned leaves would fall at the slightest touch. I wondered if it could be a bug, thought maybe spider mites. I gave it a long shower. The problem continued. Leaves of the same stem turning completely brown while the rest of the plant flourishes...I gave a second shower, then a third. Finally i washed all the leaves with organic soap and water. To no avail. On the underside of the leaves i see tint white dots...What could be the issue?? I would really appreciate any help you could offer! Thanks!
Nisha

ANSWER: Hello Nisha,

Those dots are probably mealy bugs. To get rid of them continue your soap washings and add 1 or 2 tbsp of rubbing alcohol to the water. Do that once every 3 or 4 days until the white specs are gone. Make sure to wash everywhere on the plant to get them all. If you have anymore questions feel free to send me a follow up.

Justin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hum! Thank you very much!
One follow up question! I notice now that in the soil there are so so many tiny bugs crawling around. Are mealy bugs visible? Do they live in the soil? Would introducing lady bugs help in this situation? Thanks very much!

Answer
Hello again,

Now it sounds like you've got mites. You could mix a little rubbing alcohol into your water when you water the plant. If that doesn't work the next step would be to take the plant out of the pot, wash it with the soap/alcohol mixture(including the roots), then repot into a new pot with fresh soil.
To be honest im not sure about the lady bugs. I know they eat aphids and scales but, im not sure about mites. You might try and ask The Long Island Gardener on here. He use's organic methods with his plants...I spray chemicals left and right.