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You are viewing a single post made by WillC in the thread called Identifying pest on house plant (white spots/rice-shaped dots).
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Aug 20, 2016 10:26 AM CST
Name: Will Creed
NYC
Prof. plant consultant & educator
Your plant is a Dracaena marginata. Scale insects and mealybugs are closely related and can be treated similarly. You can safely use liquid dish soap or alcohol or a combination of the two diluted in water. The key to success is thoroughness of coverage. Wiping will help remove the residue (dead carcasses), but it is not effective in penetrating small spaces where the juveniles are. Spray thoroughly all leaf and stem surfaces until they are literally dripping wet. Pay particular attention to the leaf axils where the leaves are attached to the stems. This is a messy job and best done outside, but not in direct sunlight. One thorough treatment is usually sufficient if you are really thorough. If you miss a few critters, they will slowly reproduce and come back to haunt you several months down the road. After treatment, there is no need to quarantine the plant. Do check other plants for signs of pests. Treating pests is always easier when detected early.
Will Creed
Horticultural Help, NYC
www.HorticulturalHelp.com
Contact me directly at [email protected]
I now have a book available on indoor plant care

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