What is white crusty stuff and what to do about it?
I’ve been getting this white crusty stuff on my salvia (pictured) and some chili pepper plants as well. What is it? My first thought is fungus, but would love confirmation and (hopefully) solutions.
Thanks in advance!
by TheAntKing25
11 Comments
sophia_hubby00
That white crusty stuff is probably salt residue! Just use some vinegar and water to clean it up, works like a charm!
Jeepgal
Looks like Mealybugs
PraiseTheRiverLord
Have you tasted it?
The_Melogna
I would toss it honestly. Unless it’s a really valuable or sentimental plant, that infestation is not worth it. Toss it soil and all. Disinfect the pot if you want to keep it.
Beloved4sure
They look like mealybugs, blast them off with water and spray insecticidal spray on the under leaves of the plant.
Those are mealy bugs, they love salvia especially and at this point in the season (assuming you’re northern hemisphere) I’d just toss
Jimbobjoesmith
i said “OOF” out loud the second i saw it. that’s a horrible mealy infestation spray it off outside away from other plants then kill them with a mixture of alcohol and a tiny drop of dish soap.
honestly i’d contemplate how much you love this plant tho lol.
ImagineWorldPeace3
I’m trying to come back from a mealy bug infestation. I’m sick. I’ve been trying everything. Wish me luck. Good luck to you.👩🏼🌾🌱
TheAntKing25
Thanks for the assessment, all. This is my first bout with mealy bugs and I’m guessing from all these comments that they are an easily spreadable pain in the butt. I will do my best to contain and destroy as needed.
I’ve trimmed most of the salvia plant away and will treat the rest with a neem oil/insecticidal soap mixture. Hopefully that helps. I tossed the pepper plant because it looked quite miserable and was likely beyond saving.
Any other advice on treatment/prevention would be appreciated. Thanks again.
11 Comments
That white crusty stuff is probably salt residue! Just use some vinegar and water to clean it up, works like a charm!
Looks like Mealybugs
Have you tasted it?
I would toss it honestly. Unless it’s a really valuable or sentimental plant, that infestation is not worth it. Toss it soil and all. Disinfect the pot if you want to keep it.
They look like mealybugs, blast them off with water and spray insecticidal spray on the under leaves of the plant.
Looks like white flies, https://www.nativepestmanagement.com/blog/2023/november/15-natural-whitefly-treatment-ideas/
“Boil ’em, mash ’em, stick ’em in a stew”
Those are mealy bugs, they love salvia especially and at this point in the season (assuming you’re northern hemisphere) I’d just toss
i said “OOF” out loud the second i saw it. that’s a horrible mealy infestation spray it off outside away from other plants then kill them with a mixture of alcohol and a tiny drop of dish soap.
honestly i’d contemplate how much you love this plant tho lol.
I’m trying to come back from a mealy bug infestation. I’m sick. I’ve been trying everything. Wish me luck. Good luck to you.👩🏼🌾🌱
Thanks for the assessment, all.
This is my first bout with mealy bugs and I’m guessing from all these comments that they are an easily spreadable pain in the butt. I will do my best to contain and destroy as needed.
I’ve trimmed most of the salvia plant away and will treat the rest with a neem oil/insecticidal soap mixture. Hopefully that helps. I tossed the pepper plant because it looked quite miserable and was likely beyond saving.
Any other advice on treatment/prevention would be appreciated. Thanks again.