Even though most cacti are famous for their sharp spines, that doesn’t stop pesky mealybugs from moving in. These little pests love nothing more than sipping on succulent sap, and they tend to crash the party during the dry winter months when your plants are overwintering. Here’s how to spot these uninvited guests and kick them to the curb using natural methods.
Step 1: Spotting the Symptoms
If your cactus has fallen ill due to a mealybug infestation, you’ll notice tiny, white cottony tufts on the green skin of the plant. Underneath that fuzzy coating, the mealybugs are busy draining the life out of your cactus. They’re also sometimes called “scale insects” because that white residue feels sticky and greasy to the touch.
Step 2: Take Immediate Action
Once you’ve identified a mealybug problem, you need to put that cactus in quarantine immediately. Do this before you even think about treatment! These pests multiply like crazy, and you definitely don’t want them spreading to your neighboring cacti or other houseplants.
Step 3: Fighting Mealybugs with Natural Remedies
Luckily, you don’t need to reach for harsh chemical insecticides. Two simple, natural home remedies have proven to be super effective at getting rid of mealybugs:
The Soft Soap Solution
- Mix one liter of boiled (and cooled) water with 15 ml of liquid soft soap and 12 ml of rubbing alcohol.
- Spray this mixture onto the affected cactus every two to three days.
- Alternatively, you can use a small paintbrush to dab the solution directly onto the bugs.
Alcohol
- Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol (or any high-proof clear alcohol you have on hand) and dab it directly onto the mealybugs.
- For spineless cacti, you can simply wipe the plant down with a cloth soaked in alcohol.
- You can also fill a spray bottle with a spirit-based tonic (like lemon balm spirit) and give the cactus a good misting.
Step 4: Be Patient with Quarantine
When you’re using natural remedies, patience is the name of the game. It usually takes several rounds of treatment before your cactus is completely pest-free. Don’t move your succulent back to its usual spot until it has been totally clear of bugs for at least two weeks.
Pro Tip: Before your plant moves back into its old home, give it a thorough inspection with a magnifying glass. Mealybugs are masters of disguise and love to hide in the tiniest nooks and crannies!
