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Mealybugs on zz plant

zz plant with mealybugs

What's Happening

Mealybugs are attracted to the sugary sap of ZZ plants and often hide in the tight crevices where stems meet rhizomes or on the undersides of waxy leaflets.

How to Fix It

  1. 1

    Alcohol swab: Dab individual pests with 70% isopropyl alcohol.

  2. 2

    Root check: If surface treatment fails, check for root mealybugs on the rhizomes; rinse and repot in fresh soil if found.

  3. 3

    Neem oil: Spray a diluted neem oil solution in the evening.

What You'll Need

How to Prevent It

Regularly wipe leaves with a damp cloth and inspect the base of the stems.

Related Problems

Same Problem on Other Plants

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Frequently Asked Questions

What causes mealybugs on my plant?
Mealybugs are attracted to the sugary sap of ZZ plants and often hide in the tight crevices where stems meet rhizomes or on the undersides of waxy leaflets.
How do I fix mealybugs?
Alcohol swab: Dab individual pests with 70% isopropyl alcohol.. Root check: If surface treatment fails, check for root mealybugs on the rhizomes; rinse and repot in fresh soil if found..
How do I prevent mealybugs from happening again?
Regularly wipe leaves with a damp cloth and inspect the base of the stems.