Mealybugs on Drosera multifida: Systemic Treatment Required

Mealybugs Hide in Soil—Repot and Use Systemic Insecticide

Mealybugs (related to scale) lay eggs in the medium. Contact sprays miss the crawlers. Effective protocol:

1. Repot the Drosera in fresh media; discard old soil.
2. Remove visible adults with alcohol swabs.
3. Spray crown and leaf bases (avoid sticky traps) with Bayer Rose & Flower (imidacloprid) or similar systemic.
4. Repeat per label (usually 2–3 weeks).
5. Treat or isolate the source orchids simultaneously.

Pyrethrins and neem are less effective due to the mealybugs’ waxy coating.