I just moved into a house that has a lot of croton plants. The ones in the back area look diseased but I’m not able to figure out the type of disease this is. Help!
Croton plant disease
- Thread starter Irene
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Chuck
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Without a closer picture of the white stuff I cannot be positive but it appears you have a wooly aphid infestation. If I am wrong in assuming these are wooly aphids I am sure someone on this forum will enlighten us as to what is happening to your plants.
Marck
Full Access Member
I would say Mealybugs (Pseudococcidae), but they are relatives of Woolly Aphids (Eriosomatinae, Aphididae) and treatment is often similar.
Firstly, go in with a simple tool, such as a sharpened pencil, and scrape away all the mealybugs that you can find. Also remove any leaves that are dead or dying.
Secondly, spray your Croton (Codiaeum variegatum cv.) with horticultural oil as directed on the packaging. Pay special attention to treating growing tips and other crevices.
Repeat these steps as needed.
Furthermore, make sure your plant is receiving the best care: bright indirect light, regular water with good drainage, and occasional application of a complete fertilizer.
Firstly, go in with a simple tool, such as a sharpened pencil, and scrape away all the mealybugs that you can find. Also remove any leaves that are dead or dying.
Secondly, spray your Croton (Codiaeum variegatum cv.) with horticultural oil as directed on the packaging. Pay special attention to treating growing tips and other crevices.
Repeat these steps as needed.
Furthermore, make sure your plant is receiving the best care: bright indirect light, regular water with good drainage, and occasional application of a complete fertilizer.