Treating Mealybugs on Umbrella Tree and Fungus Gnats on Christmas Cactus

An umbrella tree (Schefflera) has sticky white cottony material on leaves and trunk (mealybugs). A Christmas cactus has fungus gnats.

Mealybug Treatment

• Use cotton swabs dipped in rubbing alcohol to wipe off visible bugs.
• Spray entire plant (leaves, stems, trunk, soil surface) with rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle every 2–3 days for a month to kill hatching nymphs.
• Inspect nearby plants and treat similarly.

Fungus Gnats on Christmas Cactus

• Caused by overwatering. Let soil dry until pot feels light.
• Reduce water amount and frequency.
• Never leave water in saucer.

Advice from Darlene, volunteer plant expert.