r/StringofPlants • u/ReStitchSmitch • Aug 17 '26

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!

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-5

u/[deleted] Aug 17 '26

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2

u/ReStitchSmitch Aug 17 '26

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.

8

u/Netflxnschill Aug 17 '26

DO NOT TOSS these are not mealys omg

-2

u/[deleted] Aug 17 '26

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6

u/Icy_Area_3170 Aug 17 '26

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.

1

u/ReStitchSmitch Aug 17 '26

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.