How do you get rid of mealybugs on a prayer plant

Question

I recently set my plant outside to get some fresh air and when I brought it back in I noticed a white spots all over the underneath of the leaves and a fuzzy white residue at the joints. I Googled it and found out it was a mealybug infestation. How do I get rid of this without harming the plant? The internet said to spray it with rubbing alcohol but it didn’t say if I should uncurl the leaves to get down inside of them because that seems to be where the majority of the bugs have made their home. Please help.

Answer 1

You can usually wash off mealybugs with a jet of water, they dislodge pretty easily. Prayer plant is kind of sensitive so go easy. Another way is to wipe them off with a rag, or with a cotton glove on your hand. If the spaces are too small and tight you can use Q-tips or fashion something appropriate. I don’t recommend the alcohol, it may kill mealy bugs but you may be taking a chance on phytotoxicity. You can also use an insecticidal soap or Neem oil.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/mealybugs-control.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/phototoxicity-in-plants.htm