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Possible mealy bugs? Re-potting Q.


Adam Davis

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Hi, so my vft has managed to survive the English winter - although it was quite mild this year - but I have a worry about it. I left it alone and didn't give it water, only once or twice so when I checked on it last saturday I noticed white spots. Upon further inspection, I noticed that they was a bit like cotton so I immediately thought it was mealybugs. I have had mealy bugs on my other vft last year and it unfortunately died, but on this one there aren't as many mealybugs on it. Also the new growth doesn't seem to have any mealy bugs on it. I have some pictures (but it may be hard to tell):

DSCF8609_zps204bca9c.jpgDSCF8605_zpsed063271.jpg

DSCF8612_zpsfae3d5e0.jpg

DSCF8608_zpsbdfc9097.jpgThere are some black spots on some of the leaves also, and some dead bugs are still in a few of the traps which have crusted over. Shall I drown my vft for 2-3 days to be on the safe side? Also I have a pot to re pot this vft into, shall I do it now? Furthermore, you can also see that I have a flower growing. I want to keep the flower if possible, as I want to see it and maybe get some seed from it.

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Get some Bug Clear or Bayer Ultimate bug Spray and sprain according to instructions. Just make sure that you spray from about 18 inches away from the planet otherwise you can get chemical burns on your plant which causes the formed growth.

Having said all that I do find it hard to make out any bugs in the photos. But it could be because I'm using my phone.

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I used Provado Ultimate Bug killer (from Bayer) on one of my cacti and it did the trick. I've also used it on my cp's for greenfly and aphids with no ill effects.

 

Don't know how far above sea level I am though! :laugh1:

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I cant see any Mealybug either, possibly some aphid?

As stated above use tried and tested chemicals only.

The 18in burn risk only applies to aerosol propelled sprays............to my knowledge only one version of provado is sold this way (this version also controls red spider mite)

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If you have mealy bugs they will be in the roots, they tend to do most of their breeding down there but you'll find eggs almost anywhere on your plant and even round the outside of the pot. They breed every 10 days I think and young can breed very quickly as well. It will look like a white fungus but is in fact their waxy protection. Wash out the roots, pot in fresh peat mix, then spray with Provado. These little buggers will walk from plant to plant and you'll find them six feet away with nothing in between. Keep your eye out for what looks like tiny white woodlice. I was sold a plant with them a couple of years back, gone now but was a real pain for a few months.

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