I would dilute bleach 1:4, put a leaf there, move it in a bowl = so all sides get properly rinsed = and immediately dump it in another bowl with tepid water. I will recut the stem with a razor - and it is ready to go. And I will put latex gloves - otherwise the hands will stink.

I used to rinse them in a lice shampoo - which also works. I guess the bleach is more aggressive.

Good Luck and No Bugs

irina

How many people take preventative measures using things like bleach, lice shampoo, planting with Marathon, etc.? I imagine it has to do with how many plants you have, whether you've had problems before, etc. It seems I'm seeing a lot of people isolate any new plants, leaves, etc., too.

HI.
I never use bleach on any leaves I buy. I just isolate them by putting them in a covered container. I check each weekly to make sure they aren't dry or have a disease.
Fred in NJ

Fred, thanks for your reply. It sounds like isolation is your weapon of choice for anything that might be hitchhiking on the leaves.

I think some people that have had a problem, a big problem, with insects or worse, are much more cautious in the future with anything new that comes into the house. I once had a devestating infestation of root mealie bugs and will never want to repeat that. I have way too many plants. I use granulated marathon and I isolate. tish