What is this stuff?

Deezey

Active Member
Only on one of my plants in a forest of like 20, there are dark brown spots or creatures or something, theres a lot of them over 2,000 probly in a span of about 10 inches on the stem. I touched them and i think some of it fell off. It doesnt look like anything really but little brown balls and theyre really small.
Anyone know what this stuff is?
 

karmaxul

Well-Known Member
I am guessing that they are dried up roots that would have been roots if that part of the stem was underground. Nothing to worry about if this is the case however a picture would help.
 

karmaxul

Well-Known Member
Scales
Related to mealybugs, scales don't look much like insects, either - they look more like little oyster shells attached to the stems and leaves. Active only as babies, they soon lose their legs, grow a hard outer shell, and settle in for a quiet life of sucking on plant juices. Often, the first symptom noticed is shiny honeydew covering the leaves. (Not all scales produce this.) Looking closer, especially on the undersides of leaves and stems, the scales are visible, singly or in clusters. Shaped circular to slightly oval, they readily scrape off with a fingernail. Plants may be stunted, yellowed, and distorted, damage similar to that of other sap-sucking insects.

There are many varieties of scales, both hard and soft, coming in many colors, but all feed and damage similarly. Mealybug destroyers also feed on scales when mealybugs run low, and green lacewings feed on the crawler stage, giving some control. Scale control with natural predators has been variable, and we continue to search for improved controls. Many gardeners resort to spraying or dabbing alcohol, light oil, soapy sprays, or mixtures of the above for scale control. Test a small area for toxicity from any of t hese products first.
 

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Deezey

Active Member
ive been spraying neem oil on them twice a week and theyre still there. nothing bad seems to happening to my plant though its green and lively as ever.
 

joedirt420

Well-Known Member
Karmaxul is correct they are probably mealy bugs. 1/2oz - 1oz pine sol per gallon of water spray plants and the soil daily for about a week is going to be your cheapest and safest way to eradicate these pests. Along with the suggestion to physically remove any while taking care to not damage your plant in the process.
 

karmaxul

Well-Known Member
I acually got that from UserFriendly just expanding on the comment so no one would have to look up scales.

Keep us posted Deezey
 

Deezey

Active Member
Mmm theyre still there I dont have pinesol, any other ways? Maybe soapy water? They dont seem to be doing anything to my plant though, its one of the tallest I have too.
 
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