Can I use insecticidal soap?

Yes, insecticidal soap is effective. Just make sure to spray it directly on the pests and follow the label instructions.

Will these bugs spread to my other plants?

Yes, mealybugs can easily crawl to nearby plants. Isolate your Guzmania until you are sure the pests are completely gone.

Guzmania Bromeliad: pests, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the leaf axils for white cottony webs.
Look for sticky residue on the leaves.
Check nearby plants for signs of the same pests.

Likely causes

Mealybug Infestation
Most likely
How to tell: You see small white, fuzzy masses that look like cotton. They often cluster where the leaves meet the central stem.
What to do: Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and dab it directly onto the pests to kill them. Repeat this every few days until they are gone.
Low Air Circulation
Possible
How to tell: Pests thrive in stagnant, humid air. You might notice the plant looks generally unhappy or sticky.
What to do: Move your plant to a spot with better airflow. Gently wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove any residue left by the bugs.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your guzmania bromeliad

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.

When to worry

If the infestation covers the entire plant, it can be very difficult to treat. Catching them early is key to saving your Guzmania.

Stopping it coming back

Regularly inspect your plant when watering and keep it away from infested plants.

Guzmania Bromeliad: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your guzmania bromeliad 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Can I use insecticidal soap?: Yes, insecticidal soap is effective. Just make sure to spray it directly on the pests and follow the label instructions.
Will these bugs spread to my other plants?: Yes, mealybugs can easily crawl to nearby plants. Isolate your Guzmania until you are sure the pests are completely gone.

Guides to these causes

Mealybugs

What are these white cottony spots on my Guzmania?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your guzmania bromeliad?