White Fungus - Mealybug Infestation On Succulent

by Elisabeth Gordon
(Cheltenham. UK)



I have a fleshy indoor pot plant which has developed a horrid white fluffy fungus on it which I can’t get rid of.

It is spreading. It looks seems to have white fine threads on it.
See photos
I’ve tried spraying it and also cutting it back.
Please can you help me.

Answer:

You don't have a fungal problem on your succulent. This is a mealybug infestation. These insects feed on your plant and create this white fluffy looking stuff on your plant. They can multiply quickly and they leave a sticky residue behind which will start to grow a black fungus.


You can treat this with several different organic methods which should get rid of the mealybugs.


1. Use insecticidal soap: You can buy this as a ready made up spray or you can make your own with vegetable oil, dish soap, and water. This will suffocate the bugs.
Spray the whole plant and make sure you also wet the undersides of the leaves. Repeat the treatment after about 10 days to make sure you got all the mealybugs and their eggs.


2. Neem Oil: mix some Neem oil with a few drops of dish soap and water. Again make sure to wet the whole plant. The Neem oil kills the mealybugs and interrupts their breeding cycle.


3. Beneficial insects: lacewings or ladybug larvae feed on pests like mealybugs. They are a good follow up if you had a pest infestation particularly if you have a lot of plants. These pests often fin hiding places in cracks and crevices of the plants or pots. You think you got rid of them... but a few weeks later you will find more of them on your plants. Beneficial insects make sure that this does not happen. You can buy them online and release them around your plants. They will disappear once their job is done.


You can give the plant a rinse with water after a few days to wash off the dead bugs and the sticky residue.
To prevent further pests make sure that your plant is in a bright spot and gets fed and watered regularly. Avoid over-watering which will weaken the plant and makes it susceptible to pests like mealybugs.

Comments for White Fungus - Mealybug Infestation On Succulent

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Jun 02, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Leaves falling off NEW
by: Anonymous

I have this bug problem and my leaves are already falling off so maybe it has to do with the bug problem and/or overwatering and not the dish soap mix?
May 04, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Now my plants are dying! NEW
by: Anonymous

I made the insecticidal mixture you suggested. Oil, dish soap and water. Within 24 hours most of the succulent sleeves are falling off! 4 plants!

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Gardening Problems FAQs.

Want to learn how to grow your own food from seed?

Grab the cheat sheet and learn how to avoid the 7 most common seed starting mistakes!

    We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

    Powered By ConvertKit

    Back to top


    Recent Articles

    1. 8 Organic Slug Control Tips - Get Rid Of Slugs With Natural Methods

      Use Organic Slug Control methods to protect your plants. Get rid of garden slugs with natural ways like coffee ground, egg shells, predators or ducks.

    2. Growing Pumpkins - How To Grow The Biggest Pumpkins

      Did You think about Growing Pumpkins for Halloween? These growing tips will help you to grow delicious pumpkins. Learn about planting pumpkin seeds, varieties and how to keep your plants healthy

    3. Beginners Tips For Growing Lettuce

      Growing Lettuce is quite easy and quick. Learn how to grow lettuce from seed in pots, window boxes or the vegetable garden.