You can use the Bayer Tree & Shrub, 2 tablespoons per gallon of water. Just water it in, letting the excess drain off. But do water it outside, in a place where pets won't go. It is a poison, after all. It's a good idea to wear gloves and don't let it splash on you. Avoid "feeling" the soil for a week or two. This won't probably help your ropes that haven't rooted because they won't take up the water. Keep the ropes away from the other plant (I assumed you were talking about two different plants, right?) If you think the ropes might have mealies, you can swish them in some nice, soapy water. Just fill your sink with tepid water with a squirt of dish soap and let them sit in there a few minutes, then swish them about and rinse them. That should do it. I do this when I receive cuttings just in case they have bugs lurking about. Works on everything except scale.

And no, you don't need to put rocks in the bottom, but it's ok to do so. I do sometimes especially with top heavy plants to keep the pot upright.

Denise in Omaha

Ok Thanks Denise. Yes I had one basket rope from EA and when I went to repot with the new singles (they are rooted and potted as well) I noticed the "mealies" and held off on putting the two together. I was just terribly afraid of putting too much medication on the plant and causing it to die. It looks perfectly fine now, as I only saw a few. But I'm sure the would be reproducing fast! I appreciate the help...gonna get to work on it!