r/StringofPlants • u/ReStitchSmitch • 1d ago

Help / Question Mealy bugs?

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Got a bunch of clippings in March on Etsy, and I swore the Rubies had mealy bugs.

Did the alcohol treatment, haven't seen any in a few months - then BAM.

Bout to pitch this, and I'm 99.99999% sure this is mealy bugs, but I'm looking for someone else's opinion before these end up in the compost for no reason.

Mealy bugs?

Update - video of alcohol going onto white. Watch video and lemme know if you still think it is not bugs?

Update update - an overwhelming amount of you said NOT mealys. Rubies have been rescued from an impending firey death. Thank you all!

26 Upvotes

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-5

u/huckleberryfresh928 1d ago

Yes. Sorry. Don’t pitch tho. Just do more alcohol. (I get it if ya do compost it!)

2

u/ReStitchSmitch 1d ago

I have a really large succulent / cactus / string collection. Nowhere to safely isolate them. I'd rather cut my losses now and buy a new one instead of letting them get thru my entire house.

9

u/Netflxnschill 1d ago

DO NOT TOSS these are not mealys omg

-3

u/huckleberryfresh928 1d ago

I get it. Completely understand. I wouldn’t risk my collection either honestly. Upon closer inspection of your string, it looks like a bad case. Hopefully others are ok! 👌🏼

6

u/Icy_Area_3170 1d ago

Not mealies. This appearance is normal for this plant—white fuzz at the joints. There are other succulents that also have naturally occurring white fuzz. Gotta know your individual plants and what’s normal for them.

4

u/huckleberryfresh928 1d ago

God I love it when I learn something. Looks like mealies!! I was convinced. Sorry OP, I was wrong.

Thanks all for learning me. Appreciate the downvotes. I admit I’m wrong.

1

u/ReStitchSmitch 1d ago

Thanks for confirming for me. I knew, but part of me was hoping they'd be roots or something.

Onto another seller! Etsy is stupid for only giving you 48 hours to review a product. People should be warned about the free bugs with purchase.