Aggressive Mealybug Treatment for a Large Jade Plant

A reader's large jade plant ("Roderick") has a serious mealybug infestation—cottony webs at every leaf-stem junction. Dish soap spray had limited success. The plant is otherwise healthy and growing.

Effective Treatment Protocol

Mix a solution of 5 parts water, 1 part isopropyl alcohol, and a squirt of liquid dish soap. Then:

1. Thoroughly spray ALL leaf and stem surfaces until dripping wet.
2. Direct contact is critical—any missed mealybugs will survive, reproduce, and re-infest.
3. Repeat weekly until no signs remain.

The alcohol dissolves the insects' waxy coating; the soap acts as a surfactant for better coverage. Because the plant is large, this will be messy—consider doing it outdoors or in a shower.

Prevention

• Inspect new plants before introducing them.
• Keep jade plants in bright light and avoid overwatering—stress invites pests.

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