Question
How can I get rid of mealy bugs on my Hoya plant? I don't like to use chemicals.  I've tried soap spray, alcohol.  Are mealy bugs in the soil???  I've had this plant for years and it is looking very sad and I've been trying to get rid of the critters since this summer.  The plant has been hanging in my kitchen window for years and has bloomed profusely.  I isolated it from my many other house plants, and the question is can I save it??? please help!  Thanks, Mickie

Answer
Hi Mickie,

There are root mealybugs, but they are rare. The key to eradicating mealybugs on stems and leaves is getting complete coverage.

A spray mixture of 5 parts water and 1 part rubbing alcohol with a little liquid soap added is effective. However, you have to really drench all of the leaf and stem surfaces until they are dripping wet. The mealy babies are nearly invisible and they hide in nooks and crannies where they are out of sight. I suggest that you repeat this thorough spray treatment again in a week. If you see any early signs of their return in the future, re-spray. With diligence and thoroughnesss you should eventually have success.

Once you have sprayed it thoroughly, there is no need to isolate it.

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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