Replies to This Discussion

Contributing GardenerPermalink Reply by Freddy J. Hill on January 20, 2011 at 6:34pm

Should be some horticultural soap or several insecticides, some people use a bayer product or a systemic you put in the soil, (Not a fertilizer this time of year).  The key is to treat your plants before you bring them in,  they go crazy in the close setting in your house.  Good luck.

Permalink Reply by Elizabeth Morris on January 21, 2011 at 10:10am

I've learned my lesson... I will totally look any plants over I'm intending to buy at the nursery from now on and I will make sure I look them over good before I bring them in!!!

Permalink Reply by judy r ruth on January 21, 2011 at 5:24pm

The systemic really will work, also spraying with alcohol does a good job for the tops.  Using a fan will really help the plants from being overstressed too.  I've used alcohol and a fan in my greenhouse, and even liquid sevin seems to work in the soil, although think I prefer the systemic.  Some succulents seem worse than others to get them.  Those I really keep an eye on.  First sign and they get alcoholed several different times. 

 

Permalink Reply by Denise on February 17, 2011 at 8:28pm

Elizabeth, go get some Bayer Tree & Shrub at Lowe's or HD.  Mix in your watering can at a rate of 2 tablespoons per gallon of water and water it in to your plants.  It's a systemic that kills any sucking pests - mealies, scale, etc.  Keep the plants out of the reach of children and pets, though.  And always be responsible when using systemics.  You don't want the runoff getting into the water table, so water carefully, so you don't have a bunch of runoff.  Remember that this is literally a poison.  But it's what it takes to really take care of the little suckers.  I've been growing 30+ years and one thing I've learned is that once you have mealies or scale, you never, ever get rid of them completely.  It takes extraordinary measures to keep them at bay - diligent inspection of every plant regularly and nipping them in the bud the moment you see signs on a plant.  That's why it's so important not to let your collection get so large that it's unmanagable.   Good luck!

 

Denise in Omaha

Permalink Reply by Elizabeth Morris on February 21, 2011 at 11:13am

Thank you Freddie, Judy and Denise for your replies.  I've also been told a bleach solution could help if I douse my plants in it... Iv also tried something called "Eight" which is only a temporary fix.  I will be moving my plants back outside in a month or so and when I do, they will all be inspected carefully and washed as well as get new soil...  I will try and be diligent.  Denise, you scare me... THANK YOU.. that's exactly what I needed:)  May all your bugs be good ones!

Permalink Reply by Dave Egbert on February 21, 2011 at 10:57pm

Elizabeth,

Judy made a really good point about air circulation.  Using a fan in the back porch or greenhouse can keep lots of issues from cropping up from insect infestations to fungal problems.  The fan helps to keep air moving, keeps the moisture level more constant and discourages insects such as mites and the such from gaining a good foothold on stems and leaves.

Denise was right one about diligent inspection. Not only can you see problems before they star but allso appreciate the intricate forms of your plants.   I tend to use the "rule of thumb" for pests.  If I can see them easily, I try using a Q-tip or chop stick to scrape off or dislodge pests before I grab a spray.  Some insects, like mealybugs, cover themselves with cottony fur that will shed off chemical sprays. Systemics work best, but of course, the cactus bloom nectar will now be toxic to hummingbirds and beneficial insects.

Permalink Reply by Dawn Dalyce on March 6, 2011 at 12:03pm

If it was me...and not edibles..I'd use a systemic...  start out 1/2 strength...