We have this awful white stuff covering several large, mature, otherwise healthy white birds of paradise. Is this whitefly? Is there anything at all we can do about it? Will any pesticides work? Should we just fertilize and frequently water the plants to try to give them strength to survive? Anything else we can do? We're not averse to using chemicals to save them. Thanks for any advice!
Those are not whiteflies but mealy bugs. Not sure what the best treatment will be but am sure someone will have advice. On smaller infestation, I use a Qtip and rubbing alcohol.
If the plant is a manageble size, you could get a soft cloth/rag and dip it in a white oil/water mix. carefully just wipe the leaves. It will kill the bugs, help stop re-infestation for a little while and make the leaves look all glossy and clean. Not sure if white oil is called the same thing in the US, but its sold in Australia as White Oil, or Pest Oil, or you can get it in a can called Leaf Shine.
Its a simple petroloeum oil, non toxic to use and safe around kids & pets.
you can also mix it with pyrethrum, but you probably wouldn't need to.
