Miniature Rose: Spider Mites, Then Mealybugs - Full Recovery Plan

Winter: yellow leaves drop. Then red mites + webs. Lost all leaves. Now white fluffy "mold" on stems (rubs off).

Diagnosis Sequence

1. Winter leaf drop: Normal dormancy (roses need rest)
2. Red mites + webs: Spider mites (confirm: tap leaf on white paper → moving specks)
3. White fluffy stems NOW: Mealybugs (mobile scale), not mold

Immediate Treatment

1. Mealybugs: Alcohol Q-tip touch → dissolve wax, fall off. Or insecticidal soap.
2. Systemic insecticide: Soil drench (imidacloprid) for season-long protection. Label must list roses, mealybugs, spider mites, "systemic."
3. Light: Maximum direct sun (roses need it)
4. Dormancy respect: Cool, reduced water in winter

Long-term

Systemic = best prevention. Roses indoors = high pest pressure. Outdoor = better.