Found this on my hoya yesterday. White, fluffy, yet sticky. I thought at first mealy bugs. But the white stuff is not defined enough and doesn't seem to move. My gut is telling me to toss the plant. But before I do better make sure

I'm so sorry . . . It's mealy bugs. Someone may be able to give you some ideas before you toss. I usually wash off as much as I can and then treat with an insecticide every 7 to 10 days until they are gone. If they are not, then I may toss it or return it if it's still under the store's guarantee.

That almost doesn't look like mealybug to me, especially considering you said it doesn't seem to move, but I know this particular Hoya is prone to them.

Did you try plucking one off and turning it over, to check for legs? How about poking it or squishing it (it will release something if it's a "bug")? I realize they don't really move a lot because they're a sucking kind of pest, but if there's no legs present (or body for that matter) when you flip it over, that's perplexing.

I hope that I'm wrong and it's something less invasive. that particular hoya seems to be a mealy magnet.

Sigh, it IS mealy bugs. I found some distinct ones. I'm going to pitch it. I've tried in the past to fight mealy bugs and it was a losing battle. Just not worth it. Thank you all for your replies.

Have you tried a q tip and rubbing alcohol? It can be a pita but I've had good results.

Yeah, that's a losing battle fir me too. I had same problem and tried everything including q-tips. Finally, took it outside into the trash.

Has anyone ever beat mealy bugs. Oh so sad you must toss it.

Yes, it's one of those things that you have to stay on top of, that is re-treat again and again, until they are gone. That's necessary in order to get succeeding generations. It's a painstaking endeavor, but sometimes worth it, especially if it's a valuable plant.

I add the Bayer's Rose and Flower care in pellet form to the medium, that will keep Mealies in check! Hoyas are notorious Mealie magnets otherwise.

Thank you all for your replies. I'm just not willing to spend the time or energy on fighting this. I tried and tried and tried with a String of Pearls last year. No matter how much attention and treatment I gave it I could not get rid of the bugs.

I'd rather just get this one out before other plants get infected. I have zero emotional attachment to this plant. I see it as an opportunity to find a new plant to sit in its place.

What a great idea! You just gave me an idea that I can use now to solve my dilemma. I have to bring my plants under shelter due to the hurricane threat and don't want to bring them in the house untreated, and don't have time for the usual bath in Bayer 3 N 1 (used for fall migration back indoors), because I have houseguests/family fleeing the SC coast coming in today or tomorrow. This will be perfect. Thanks.

Too bad!
I grow a lot of Stapeliads and other C&S besides a ton of Orchids. If I would throw a plant out every time I see a few Mealies I would have nothing left. I will toss a plant if it really declines and it looks it is a lost cause however.

Jennifer that particular hoya is difficult to treat because of all of the twisting leaves. The first one I had was variegated, but as much as I liked it, I returned it to the store where I bought it. I later bought a solid green one that I keep outside except in winter. I haven't had mealy problems with it to date, but I'm going to try Ursula's remedy before I bring it in.

I want to show of my new aquasition of hoya.
Hoya " undulata"


I got lucky @ e-bay and got it for reasonable price.