Rob says ; As for how to get rid of them, this is a difficult proposition. From my experience, mealies are perhaps the most difficult pest to eliminate.
I have had and heard and read this from many people :((
Question: I am experiencing a white "gooey" substance around the crown of some of my violets. Could you please tell me what this substance might be and how to get rid of it?
ANSWER ; http://www.robsviolet.com/faq_page_3.htm#mealy%20bugs
Rob Says;As for how to get rid of them, this is a difficult
When full grown, most female mealybugs produce a large amount of cottony material in order to lay hundreds of eggs. The eggs hatch within a few days. The newly emerged insects, known as crawlers, move about the plant. Oftentimes, infestation of new plants occur during this movement. Mealybugs mature in apporximately two months.
Mealybugs may infest different areas of the plant. Although populations on foliage are most visible, most mealybugs infest roots and some are predominantly associated with roots. Some species tend to move to roots when growing conditions are less favorable, but return in high populations on stems and leaves when plants are actively growing.
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05595.html
Yikes! I guess I won't count my chickens (or in this case mealies) out. I will keep a watchful eye.
Oh yes their nasty little buggers. They can even hide in wicks during drenches . An egg can look like a speck of dust on a bench and more. Yike.
Wow, makes you wonder how commercial growers can avoid them... Or do they?
I'm not making very good progress with mine right now since I overdid it the other day. Yesterday, my arms were still so sore that I couldn't use them. Geeze... but so far this morning they feel better. I just have to remember all I can do is all I can do, right ladies :)
J.
Jacki don't worry about it , it will be OK. Maybe even take a leaf or two of each plant in-case, or if you have a plant that is bad just take the crown cutting , wash it , I like even hot water and nemm oil and re-pot it up in new pot and soil , disgard old. This will most likly get rid of them . But don't worry little at a time you will get rid of them,.
Thanks, Allison~ That's a better way to think of it. Kevin finally found me some perlite so I can put leaves down again. A couple of plants that looked like they weren't doing so great (and I had duplicates) I have just tossed. I clipped off three leaves of Plain and Fancy (though I can't see any bugs on the plant) and dipped them in alcohol before washing them in warm water. Then I'm keeping these aside in a clean area. That's what I want to do with the plants I don't have duplicates of.
Fortunately, I've had good sucess with Pink Dutchess (remember the broken leaves? well, they grew babies like crazy) and South Shore Rose. I have several plants of each. And for some reason, I have 4 or 5 Carnival Clown and Crimson -------- (drew a blank there). Those leaves of yours love to grow!
WOW South Shore Rose is one of my favorites ! A nice Vintage you don't see often grows well. I like longifolia foliage ! you don't see often . A plant I grew many of would not mind another one . " Just kidding " If I start I'll want them all again. lol
South Shore Rose (7023) 12/17/1988 (E. Gross) Double pink two tone ruffled/some rose shading. Medium green, longifolia, quilted. Standard
I remeber Pink Duchess in bloom when i sent her to you. She grew so easy by leaf for me too ! So glad their all doing good for you !
Pink Duchess (9184) 02/03/2003 (Lyndon Lyon Greenhouses/Sorano) Semidouble-double medium pink star/wide light pink edge. Light green, quilted. Large
Mac's Carnival Clown is sure is a beauty too !
You sure can grow them Jacki ! You'll have new blooming plants before you know it ! Don't worry about any you have to throw away.
How is Lilian Sparkler ?? Your plant was the most beautiful one I've eve seen :))
Mosaic variegation is my favorite !
You'll be glad to know that Miss Lillian Sparkler just had a nice hot bath and a complete repot! She bloomed (again!) over a long period so I'm glad to catch her inbetween. She's such a beauty. Plus, I've got babies coming up from her!
You helped me Allison, when you reminded me to take it easy and just do a little bit at a time. A lesson you have probably had to learn to the extreme! So yesterday, I just bathed some, alcoholed some, and repotted the ones who I thought really needed it. And stopped before my arms gave out... Today, I'll do a little more :) Thanks :))
Anytime you want leaves or a plant, you just ask. I have your name on a Plain and Fancy plantlet already. Hopefully, what little bug problem I have will be eradicated by then. If you would prefer a leaf instead, easier to sterilize, then that's available to you as well!
Happy New Year, Allison! And Happy New Year, Nanna!!!
Jacki
Thanks Jacki ! Happy New Year :))
Oh my if I started wanting lol and not be able to care for them. All mine are in natural light any plants I have . Mostly Begonias, Gesneirads few Av's . Everyone is happy thou . I don't see them often and most times they don't get watered until dry but no one seems to mind !
You sure can grow them Jackie !