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Identifying mealybugs on ZZ Plant
White, cottony masses at the base of stems where they emerge from the soil, and in the tightly packed leaflet junctions along the stem.
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Life cycle
Females lay 300–600 eggs in cottony masses. Spread by crawlers and on contaminated tools.
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Damage to ZZ Plant
Mealybugs sap-suck at stem bases and leaflet junctions, causing yellowing and weakening of affected stems, with honeydew that can attract sooty mould.
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How to treat mealybugs on ZZ Plant
Dab visible mealybugs with a cotton bud soaked in rubbing alcohol, checking stem bases and leaflet junctions carefully. Follow with insecticidal soap, repeating every 7–10 days.
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Preventing mealybugs on ZZ Plant
Check stem bases periodically where they emerge from the soil, and quarantine new plants before placing them nearby.