mealybugs on Ficus Benghalensis
Quick answer
If your Ficus Benghalensis has mealybugs, the most likely cause is: Mealybugs are small, cottony, soft-bodied insects that cluster along the leaf axils, on the undersides of foliage, and on the bark of Ficus benghalensis grown indoors; they pierce the tissue and suck the sap, which stunts new growth, leaves droop, and in heavy infestations the leaves yellow and die while the sticky honeydew they excrete encourages black sooty mould on the canopy.
Start here:
- 1. Spot-treat small clusters of mealybugs on the Audrey by dabbing the white, waxy insects with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol, working along the leaf axils, stem joints, and undersides where the colony hides.
- 2. Flush the canopy with a strong spray of tepid water from a sink or shower to dislodge remaining bugs and rinse away honeydew, then follow up with a soapy-water wash (a mild dish liquid without fragrance or whiteners) on the leaves and stems.
Why Ficus Benghalensis gets mealybugs
ficus benghalensis
Mealybugs are small, cottony, soft-bodied insects that cluster along the leaf axils, on the undersides of foliage, and on the bark of Ficus benghalensis grown indoors; they pierce the tissue and suck the sap, which stunts new growth, leaves droop, and in heavy infestations the leaves yellow and die while the sticky honeydew they excrete encourages black sooty mould on the canopy.
How to reverse mealybugs on Ficus Benghalensis
- 1
Spot-treat small clusters of mealybugs on the Audrey by dabbing the white, waxy insects with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol, working along the leaf axils, stem joints, and undersides where the colony hides.
- 2
Flush the canopy with a strong spray of tepid water from a sink or shower to dislodge remaining bugs and rinse away honeydew, then follow up with a soapy-water wash (a mild dish liquid without fragrance or whiteners) on the leaves and stems.
- 3
If the infestation is heavy, isolate the plant from other houseplants and treat with neem oil or an insecticidal soap, repeating applications every seven to ten days for several weeks until the crawlers are gone, and prune away any stems that remain heavily colonised.
Keep mealybugs off this Ficus Benghalensis
Inspect an Audrey Ficus benghalensis every time you water, paying special attention to leaf axils and the undersides of new growth, isolate any new plant for a couple of weeks before introducing it to the rest of the collection, and keep the canopy clean by wiping leaves so the cottony pests and their honeydew do not get a foothold.