STEPHANOTIS

Needs some help with mealy bug - sure that's what it is - this is mt secon attempt at stephanotis - this time it has grown really well on the shady side of the conservarory and is a lovely specimen with it's flower buds forming now. I have used soapy water which worked for a while but was advised to use a paint brush and use meths - I do seem to be controlling it at the moment but cannot seem to clear it up completely. The other option I have thought of using is the insects/beetles you can buy but quite expensive if they do not work.My conservatory is open to the rest of the house so worried the little things might fly off or end up in my sandwiches!! Any advice please, Cheers,Malcolm

 

Mal,Imidacloprid (Provado Ultimate Bug Killer concentrate) is a systemic insecticide that is absorbed into plants and kills the pest as it feeds. A ready-to-use spray containing another systemic insecticide, thiacloprid, is available as Provado Ultimate Bug Killer Ready To Use. The former can be used on ornamental plants and glasshouse tomatoes, peppers and aubergines, but not other edible plants. Thiacloprid can also be used on these plants, plus glasshouse cucumbers.

Female mealybugs cann't fly so usually they are brought in on a plant, when you bring plants into your collection knock them out of the pot and inspect them it could save you hassel later.

 

THANKYOU FOR YOUR HELP - WILL TRY YOUR SUGGESTION AS I DON'T WANT IT TO SPREAD TO MY OTHER PLANTS. OFF TO GARDEN CENTRE TOMORROW!

 

I would love one of these and have never seen one to buy.