Root mealy bugs on lithops

[Chris L]

I buy my meths in gallon bottles. Probably need more than one application. Use it neat and liberally - AND WEAR GLOVES..... it can be absorbed through the skin.

If it is feasible maybe keep the lithops in the house where it is a bit warmer. If there are any bugs/eggs lurking they would likely be more active than in a cool greenhouse and will be spotted sooner.

Disappointing that the seller hasn't been cooperative. Sadly too many sellers (I mean generally, not C&S) are like that.

[Jura]

It was very unfortunate indeed, I'm not gonna lie it got into a confrontation which I'm not too fond of...my hands were shaking because I've never been met with such aggression when I pointed out a problem with shipement. Seller was hiding behind huge social media presence and all. Which again didn't show any interest in solving an actual issue, I was given steps to use insecticide(I've got better advise here and then from some professional lithops growers). It is what it is and I'll need to find another lithops seller that is more reputable.

I was willing to spend at least 200 euro every 2 months ( I know I'm not particularly well) i suppose it's this person's loss...


Anyhow, I trimmed all lithops roots to the stump yesterday, and now they are drying, tomorrow will be methylated spirit day. I still can see some wolly bits on lithops but no active bugs. After a week of methylated spirit I'll water them with my worst chemical which I kept for absolute worst case scenario- Dursban. Fingers crossed by spring time they all gonna be eradicated.

[juster]

A very unpleasant incident indeed, I just don't understand why anyone would be so unhelpful. As you say, it is his loss. Good luck with the plants.

[MatDz]

It was very unfortunate indeed, I'm not gonna lie it got into a confrontation which I'm not too fond of...my hands were shaking because I've never been met with such aggression when I pointed out a problem with shipement. Seller was hiding behind huge social media presence and all. [...]

It's certainly the high time to name the seller and request a chargeback through your bank or PayPal as the goods are clearly not fit for purpose. You don't have to talk to the seller at all to do it at this point.

[Cidermanrolls]

After a week of methylated spirit I'll water them with my worst chemical which I kept for absolute worst case scenario- Dursban. Fingers crossed by spring time they all gonna be eradicated.

I hold a pesticide licence. I’m not sure that using an organophosphate insecticide in a small greenhouse or even indoors is totally wise. I wouldn’t do it, even with a respirator. There are safer options.
I’ve had root mealie in the past and used a product called Gazelle to great effect. It’s a professional use product and using it in a greenhouse on ornamental plants is within the approved uses. I use it as a root drench. It’s much less likely to kill you too.
I’ve not seen root mealies in my collection since starting to use it.

[edds]

I was willing to spend at least 200 euro every 2 months ( I know I'm not particularly well) i suppose it's this person's loss...

Join the MSG (if you haven't already) and grow them from seed - it will save you a fortune and you can get them to flowering size in a few years.

[Smel]

HI,
In my first job as a 15 year old, I used industrial meths, this came in a 5 gal drum and was not coloured like the stuff we now get from Wilkos. We used it to make varnish using Shellac and bismark black, etc.
But I used to get so much on my hands that I used to have to wash them with the Meths..... Did it for some years.

You just wouldn't do it now..

Mel.

[Jura]

I hold a pesticide licence. I’m not sure that using an organophosphate insecticide in a small greenhouse or even indoors is totally wise. I wouldn’t do it, even with a respirator. There are safer options.
I’ve had root mealie in the past and used a product called Gazelle to great effect. It’s a professional use product and using it in a greenhouse on ornamental plants is within the approved uses. I use it as a root drench. It’s much less likely to kill you too.
I’ve not seen root mealies in my collection since starting to use it.

Yikes! I might keep it in the shed so! I'll have a look into Gazelle, I wouldn't want to kill or get killed

[Jura]

I was willing to spend at least 200 euro every 2 months ( I know I'm not particularly well) i suppose it's this person's loss...

Join the MSG (if you haven't already) and grow them from seed - it will save you a fortune and you can get them to flowering size in a few years.

I'm with msg already and have some of their seedlings under lights , they are coming along nicely. Can't wait for another seedlist

[Acid John]

Isn't Gazelle just a more concentrated version of Bug Clear Ultra?