Mealybugs

Mealybugs are often found in a plant's crown or in the cracks between leaves and stem.  They are regularly confused with fungus or mold, because of their fuzzy white protective layer.  This layer makes them particularly difficult to treat with typical horticultural oils and soaps and the best way to treat them is to start with dabbing rubbing alcohol onto them with a q-tip and getting this alcohol in all the nooks and crannies of the plant.  You'll know it's working when the fuzz 'melts' off.  Then add 1 tablespoon of rubbing alcohol to a cup of water and wipe down the entire plant, especially in the nooks and crannies. 

Pests usually go after plants that are stressed for one reason or another and are often symptomatic of a deeper causal problem with the plant's environment, which is usually related to soil, light or water. Often mealybugs will keep coming back if the environmental factors aren't addressed, so be sure to read our houseplant care guide to get your plant in just the right spot for your home or office.

As with any pest problem, be sure to keep an eye out for any bugs going forward, and treat them immediately.