SOIL MEALY BUG

Soil Mealy bugs, or what was once called Pritchard’s Mealy Bugs, are from the Rhizoecus family.  Rhizoecus americanes or Rhizoecus dianthi.
Do not confuse soil mealy bug with foliar mealy bug which is from an entirely different family.

Soil Mealy bugs are small, oval-elongated insects that live most of their lives among the roots of plants. 
They may also be seen on the trunk of African violets near the soil line.

Photo by permission NC State University

The waxy powder may be found throughout the root ball, on pots or even floating in water reservoirs. 

Plant appears to need water but soil is wet.

Damage or symptoms

1.  Leaves become pale, yellowish or grayish.

2.  Wilted leaves are translucent brown, with soft jelly-like consistency.

3.  Plant does not flower.  (This is a symptom, but I have seen beautifully flowering
     show plants which were later diagnosed with SMB.)

4.  Reduced plant growth and vigor.
Roots and basal stem rot.

Read more
Get your free Article

Timer for your plants. set your own hours. 

Power bar at 14.99 $ (plus shipping)