Expert: Diana Hamilton - 6/21/2009

Question
I had a hindu rope hoya that developed cotton like stuff on it and I'm thinking spider mites of some type.  It died, so I threw it out.  My other hoyas, in a different room, have now developed the same sticky, cottony stuff on them.  What can I do to save my plants?

Answer
Dear Leslie,

What you describe is almost certainly mealy bug so you should spray weekly with malathion or a systemic insecticide - this will enter the plant's leaves and stalks so that new insects alighting on the plant will be poisoned when they try to suck the plant sap.

If you have only a few insects you could try washing them off using your fingers or with the help of a cotton wool bud rather than an insecticide.

If the plants are badly affected then buy a well known brand of insecticide and follow the instructions and hopefully you will soon be rid of these pests.

Diana