Florli

Plant problems

Mealybugs on plants

Mealybugs hide in crevices and may also infest roots below the soil.

Sheltered sites

Leaf axils and dense growth protect colonies.

New plants

Infestations often arrive on recently acquired plants.

Root forms

Some mealybugs remain hidden below soil level.

Problem

What to do next

  1. 1

    Isolate the plant and inspect its neighbours.

  2. 2

    Remove visible insects where practical.

  3. 3

    Continue checks over several weeks and use only a labelled treatment when needed.

Observation

When to act sooner

  • Cottony material appears throughout the root ball.
  • Several plants are infested.
  • The crown or new growth begins to collapse.
Important

Mealybugs on plants can have several causes. Confirm the plant, conditions and recent care before choosing a treatment.

Florli

Related guides and features

Library Plant problems Yellow leaves, brown spots and root problems: learn what to inspect first and how to avoid making the situation worse. Read the guide → Feature Plant problem checker Florli helps you organize symptoms, consider possible causes and choose a cautious next step without presenting an uncertain result as a definite diagnosis. Read the guide → Feature Plant and garden journal Record watering, feeding, mowing, planting, pruning and your own notes in a history attached to the right plant or place. Read the guide →
Sources and further reading: University of Maryland Extension: houseplant pests

From advice to your own plan

Florli remembers what you have done for each plant.

Add a plant or garden area, log completed care and observations, and keep the next useful tasks together in one plan.

Coming soon to the App Store and Google Play.

Prepared by Florli. This is general guidance. Sources are listed with each guide, and every decision should reflect the species, location, weather and the plant’s current condition.