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kyledr

Dracaena Marginata Mealy Bugs Losing Leaves

kyledr
10 years ago

So I got a mealy bug infestation that got really bad before I learned what it was. They're on the leaves of all branches. They're really bad near the base of the leaves, but they extend outwards on the tops and bottoms of leaves. I read a forum poster say to use 50% dish soap 50% water (which I now believe may have been too much soap), so I sprayed it thoroughly and wiped off many of the bugs. I got tired of the process as it was late, so I planned to return to clean more off later. In the few days since then the plant has lost a great deal of leaves. I wonder if the soapy mixture hurt it or if the cleaning of the leaves was too rough for the weak plant.

What should I do? Spray more water (maybe a 1/5 rubbing alcohol mixture with a squirt of dish soap) and continue cleaning? Cut the leaves off and let it regrow more? Let it lose all of its leaves and pray it grows more? Or should I just buy a new plant?

By the way, while writing this it lost three more leaves. :(

Here is a link that might be useful: Pictures

This post was edited by kyledr on Tue, Nov 19, 13 at 22:25

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