MONSTER SCALE resisting all removal attempts. HELP.

9 years ago

I received these as gifts. They appear loaded with some really old scale and heavens knows what else. I scrubbed with toothbrush and lime. They still remained. I used toothbrush and alcohol. They still remained. I used toothbrush and dawn dish liquid and alcohol. They remained. My sweetie started cutting them out, but there were just too many. This is what they look like after all our attempts at removing scale. Most remained as you can see. Do I water with Bonide(a systemic)? At what strength? How many waterings? OR are they too far gone and should I just throw them out? They are far, far away from my collection, actually in a construction area now, so cross contamination is not a problem. I live in south florida so freezing is never a problem.

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Crenda 10A SW FL

9 years ago

I agree that it does not look like scale. Here is a Huernia that had a very heavy scale infestation -

And after the scale was removed - notice the plant on the right shows some areas that look like corking. That was not removed (of course) during treatment.

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Comments (9)

rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
How did you diagnose it as scale?
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
9 years ago
If they are truly scale insects, you should be able to pick them off by hand quite easily. Suspect that they are some other sort of more permanent deformity.
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rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
9 years ago
I see some corking there, some could be oedema, some mechanical damage. The lime & toothbrush sounds pretty harsh. Scale is relatively small - individual pests - and huge invasion still would not look the same.
rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
9 years ago
Good photos Crenda! I don't think you used lime and toothbrush, did you?
ewwmayo
9 years ago
Crenda - Those photos are frightening yet very helpful.
Crenda 10A SW FL
9 years ago
I followed the advice cactusmcharris gave me and used windex. Spray on, leave for 5-10 minutes, rinse off. A few didn't rinse off, so I used a wet cotton swab and nudged them off. There was no scrubbing. I followed up with alcohol spray after about 5 days and repeated that in another 5 days.

I was actually hesitant to mention yet another chemical.
rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
9 years ago
Crenda

Few ppl mentioned windex. I never tried, and doesn't sound like something suitable but obviously it works. I would use it only for big infestation.

Joan

Just a reminder: if using anything to spray/treat succulent, keep them out of sun while wet.
cactusmcharris, interior BC Z4/5
9 years ago
Rina,

Few people is not exactly correct - if I may be immodest, I'm the only one who recommends it. There's no need for organophosphate type nastiness when you have a common household cleaner that's fairly safe, IMO. Others may differ, but they'd be wrong (again immodest, I know).

Joan,

You can also use Formula 409, but IIRC Windex is cheaper. Leave it on as Crenda says, then blast with the hose - that stuff will peel off. Leave the plant in the shade for a day, and it should be better than ever. Repeat as needed or as a spot treatment.