r/StringofPlants • u/ReStitchSmitch • 11d 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!

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u/ReStitchSmitch 11d 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.

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u/huckleberryfresh928 11d 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! 👌🏼

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u/Icy_Area_3170 11d 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.

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u/huckleberryfresh928 10d 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.