Question
I have this white fuzz type infestation on two bird of paradise plants.  What is the best natural way to rid this infestation?

Answer
Hi Bob,

The white fuzz could be either mealybug or scale. Both are treated in the same manner.

Mix 5 parts of water with 1 part of isopropyl alcohol and a squirt of liquid dish soap in a sprayer. Spray all leaf and stem surfaces of the plant until they are dripping wet. Pay particular attention to the base of the plant where the stems start to separate from one another. The critters like to hide inside the protected crevices. If you miss even a few, they will reproduce and come back to haunt you down the road, so thoroughness matters.

If that remedy doesn't work, then I recommend Brand X Foliage Cleaner available only through Southwest Plantscape Products in California (www.southwestplantscape.com ). Their phone is 1-800-333-7977. It is a silicon-based product so it is very slippery. Its ability to penetrate is probably the key to its effectiveness because it gets into the tiny crevices that other sprays miss.

I have written an article on treating plant pests that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who sends a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC