Mealy Bug On A Indoor Ponytail Palm

Question

Can someone please help me with a pretty bad mealy bug problem on my ponytail palm. The bug is nesting inside the stem of the plant and whilst I have sprayed it regularly with a neem oil solution, including down the stem, the little critters keep popping up! I am getting really frustrated and am considering ditching the plant entirely so it doesn’t infect my other indoor plants. Any advice out there?

Answer 1

Be careful with Neem oil! It comes with its own issues, too, if not used properly. Sometimes, it can cause more damage than the insects that you are trying to control.

I would recommend Azadirachtin! This is the main ingredient in neem oil, but as an extract. It is much more effective without being near as particular about application.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/azadirachtin-vs-neem-oil.htm

This collection of articles will help you with the care of your ponytail palm:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ponytail-palm