- Where are the white spots coming from?
- How do I get rid of the stains?
- How do I prevent re-infestation?
The elephant's foot is a popular houseplant because it is easy to care for and very decorative. Actually, its leaves should be gray-green to green, with no spots or spots. Sometimes, however, he gets white, cotton-like patches. You should do something about that.
Mealybugs are very small but can be seen with the naked eye
Where are the white spots coming from?
Although the elephant's foot is not particularly susceptible to diseases and pests, it does occasionally suffer from them. The white cottony spots indicate an infestation with mealybugs. Since these can be very persistent, you should do something about them immediately.
How do I get rid of the stains?
Mealybugs can be quite stubborn, so act as soon as you see any traces of these creatures. If the infestation is very small, you can remove the fluffy patches with a cotton swab soaked in oil. However, this is very tedious in the case of a stronger infestation. Spraying or hosing down the plant is more likely to help here.
You should proceed in such a way that no pests can be flushed into the ground. Various liquids can be used as a remedy, such as milk or whey, diluted spirit or a lye solution with soft soap.(44.90€) A strong jet of water often helps. Often the treatment has to be repeated one or more times.
Possible remedies against mealybugs:
- cotton swabs soaked in oil
- milk or whey
- soft soapy water
- spirit
- the shade
- spray with a strong jet of water
- full sun after acclimatization
How do I prevent re-infestation?
A change of location can be helpful in controlling pests, but is hardly suitable as a sole measure. To prevent a new infestation, a change of location is definitely recommended.
Mealybugs do not feel particularly comfortable in the shade, so they should hardly ever appear there, if at all. The situation is similar with the blazing sun. However, you should slowly get used to this with your elephant foot. That takes a few days.
tips
Even if the elephant's foot is a houseplant, spending time in the fresh air in summer is very good for it.