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Powdery mildew or something else?

8 years ago

Hello again. Here's my new monstera adansonii. It's a beaut, but had gotten some damage while at the store. The clerk told me it was too much sun exposure. I took it home and watered after a couple days and have been misting it daily. Maybe that was a mistake. I've never seen this in one of my own plants before, but there's been white powder appearing on new leaves or at the base of leaves. Is it powdery mildew? Something else? What should I do?

Featured Answer

Lantana zone 5b/6a

8 years ago

I’m not sure about treatment beyond alcohol, I haven’t had too much experience with pests before. However, you should probably stop misting. It has no added benefit for increasing humidity and can have negative side effects. If you’re looking to increase humidity, a pebble tray will be much more effective.

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Comments (6)

Lantana zone 5b/6a
8 years ago
Hi Cassie, it’s difficult to tell from the image but that may be mealy bugs. It would be wise to quarantine your monstersa away from your other plants while you investigate/evaluate. I’m not aware of what else that might be, hopefully others can chime in!
tsugajunkie z5 SE WI ♱
8 years ago
What Lantana said. A Q-tip and rubbing alcohol if just a few, think about returning it if its infested.

tj
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Cassie J.
Original Author
8 years ago
doing that now. should I remove browning leaves like these?
tsugajunkie z5 SE WI ♱
8 years ago
For now, leave the leaves.

tj
Cassie J.
Original Author
8 years ago
After I alcohol-ed them off, I can tell it's mealy bugs. I got as many as I could see off, but I'm worried they might be hiding. What else can I do to repel these guys? What can I do to prevent them from moving to other houseplants (I'm out of quarantine space)? I'm just not familiar with this pest. Should I stop misting them?

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