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String of bananas · Senecio radicans

What are these white fuzzy spots on my string of bananas?

Those white cottony spots are likely mealybugs, which love to hide in the crevices of your plant. Check the joints where the leaves meet the stems to confirm their presence.

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pests on a plant
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Look closely at the leaf junctions for white fuzz.
  2. Check the underside of the leaves for sticky residue.
  3. Isolate the plant from others to prevent spread.

Likely causes

  1. Mealybugs

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see small, white, cottony masses tucked into the leaf junctions. The plant may also look stunted or have sticky residue on the leaves.

    What to do: Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and dab it directly onto the pests to kill them on contact. Repeat this every few days until you no longer see any signs of the bugs.

  2. Scale

    Possible

    How to tell: Small, hard, brown bumps that look like tiny shields on the stems. They do not move and are often mistaken for part of the plant.

    What to do: Scrape the bumps off gently with a fingernail or a soft brush. Wipe the stems down with a cloth soaked in diluted neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your string of bananas

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

If the infestation covers the entire plant, it can be very difficult to treat. If the plant is severely weakened, it is often better to take healthy cuttings and start over.

Stopping it coming back

Inspect new plants before bringing them home and keep your plant clean by wiping leaves occasionally. Good airflow also helps deter pests.

String of bananas: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your string of bananas and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Will these bugs kill my plant?
If left untreated, they will drain the plant of sap and eventually cause it to decline. Treating them early is key to saving the plant.
Can I use soap to kill them?
Yes, a mild insecticidal soap works well. Avoid using harsh household cleaners as they can damage the delicate leaves.

Guides to these causes

More problems with String of bananas

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This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.