Question
Nearly everytime I get a good healthy Purple Passion plant that is spreading out and vining nicely it ends up getting covered with little white specks, someone told me were mealy bugs. One day there is nothing, then a couple of days later it is covered. I usually throw the plant away and try to save a clean cutting. Is there another way to save the plant or should I just start over.

Answer
Hi Lana,

If the white specks have a soft cotton-like texture, they are mealybugs. If you keep getting them, you may want to talk to the retailer, as that is probably where they are coming from.

Treat them with a solution of warm water and a squirt of liquid soap. Really drench all leaf and stem surfaces, even those where there are no mealybugs in evidence. Thoroughness of coverage is critical. Do spot spraying if you see any new ones in the future.

Avoid using cold water and letting sunlight shine directly on the leave while they are wet.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.
  
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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