jade plant with white "bugs" - Ask Extension
I'm not sure of the name of the bugs on my jade plant but they are like white cotton spots. I sprayed the plant with Neem oil but it caused it to drop...
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jade plant with white "bugs" #599412
Asked September 26, 2019, 5:57 PM EDT
I'm not sure of the name of the bugs on my jade plant but they are like white cotton spots. I sprayed the plant with Neem oil but it caused it to drop about a third of it's leaves. I'm currently swabbing the spots with alcohol but it's not working. Is there anything I can use systemically on this plant or should I just give up on it and throw it out? :(
Thank you!
Tillamook County Oregon
Expert Response
They are probably mealybugs if they're moving. Don't give up yet & don't try systemics.
For mealybugs, try these steps:
1- Quarantine your plant from other plants to hopefully prevent further spread;
2 - Take outside and blast as many bugs as possible off the plant and container with strong stream of water;
3 - Spray the entire plant, including tops and undersides of leaves, with rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl alcohol) (the alcohol must contact the mealybugs to kill);
4 - Check the container too for any mealybug bug hiding places and spray with 70% isopropyl alcohol;
5 - Physically remove any other mealybugs that show up (you could use cotton balls with alcohol or an old dry toothbrush). You should also continue your efforts to kill remaining mealybugs using a Q-tip soaked in 70% isopropyl alcohol.
6- Wash hands to prevent transport of bugs to any other plants.
Neem oil solutions can be harmful to succulents like jade. There is a possibility your Neem oil spray might have been too concentrated for this jade plant. At this point, you probably shouldn't use Neem on the jade. Let the plant recover. If, however, you decide to use it in the future, be careful to test it on a small part of the plant first.
You may also need to replace the top inch of soil in the pot with fresh potting soil.
For mealybugs, try these steps:
1- Quarantine your plant from other plants to hopefully prevent further spread;
2 - Take outside and blast as many bugs as possible off the plant and container with strong stream of water;
3 - Spray the entire plant, including tops and undersides of leaves, with rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl alcohol) (the alcohol must contact the mealybugs to kill);
4 - Check the container too for any mealybug bug hiding places and spray with 70% isopropyl alcohol;
5 - Physically remove any other mealybugs that show up (you could use cotton balls with alcohol or an old dry toothbrush). You should also continue your efforts to kill remaining mealybugs using a Q-tip soaked in 70% isopropyl alcohol.
6- Wash hands to prevent transport of bugs to any other plants.
Neem oil solutions can be harmful to succulents like jade. There is a possibility your Neem oil spray might have been too concentrated for this jade plant. At this point, you probably shouldn't use Neem on the jade. Let the plant recover. If, however, you decide to use it in the future, be careful to test it on a small part of the plant first.
You may also need to replace the top inch of soil in the pot with fresh potting soil.
