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Soil Mealybugs Discovered Under Microscope: Identification and Hard Choices

Suzanne found soil mealybugs (not mites) and eggs via microscopy, plus white soil patches. She asked about soil/pot recommendations and whether to treat or restart.

Soil Mealybug Confirmation

White patches near stem = classic soil mealybug sign. Different from foliar mealybugs or mites—require specific treatment.

Treatment Reality

Effective chemical (Marathon) costs ~$100. For small collections, cheaper to discard infected plants, propagate clean leaves, and start fresh.

Soil and Pot Specs

Mix: 2/3 commercial violet soil + 1/3 perlite (lightens heavy mixes)
Pot size: leaf span ÷ 3 = pot diameter (9" plant = 3" pot)
Small pots prevent overwatering and promote blooming

Book Resource

Author's book "Insects, Pests and Diseases of the African Violet Family" available via email.

Violets: Soil Mealybugs in Nursery: Rotate Stock, Systemic Treatment; Potting Soil vs. Garden Soil for Wind-Prone Hibiscus; Araucaria (Monkey Puzzle) in a Pot: Repotting, Spider Mites, and Long-Term Care; White Worms and Mystery Pellets in Potting Soil: Harmless Inhabitants; Propagating Bing Cherry: From Seed (Long Shot) or Nursery Tree (Smart); Self-Watering African Violet Pot with Limp Leaves: Watering Issue or Soil Mealybugs?; Soil Mixes and Fertilizer for Mass Cane and Desert Rose (Adenium); Repotting Ponytail Palm & Meyer Lemon: Timing, Soil, Pot Size; Money Tree Repotting: Pot Size, Timing, and B-1 Use; Planting a Dieffenbachia Cutting: Pot Size, Soil, and Safety

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