Why are there white cottony spots on my Blood lily?

Check these first

1. Inspect the leaf axils for white cottony clusters.
2. Check the undersides of the leaves for sticky residue.
3. Look for small brown bumps along the stems.

Likely causes

1. Mealybugs

   Most likely

   How to tell: Look for white, cottony masses tucked into the leaf axils or along the undersides of leaves. You might also see a sticky residue on the foliage.

   What to do: Dab the insects with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to kill them on contact. For larger infestations, spray the entire plant with insecticidal soap every 7 days until they are gone.

2. Scale insects

   Possible

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

   What to do: Gently scrape the bumps off with your fingernail or a soft brush. Wipe the stems down with a cloth soaked in diluted neem oil to prevent them from returning.

When to worry

If the leaves start turning yellow or dropping, the infestation is severe and needs immediate treatment. A few isolated bugs are easy to manage if you catch them early.

Stopping it coming back

Wipe your plant leaves down with a damp cloth every few weeks to remove dust and discourage pests. Always inspect new plants before placing them near your Blood lily.

Questions people ask

Can I use dish soap to kill the bugs?

Yes, but use a mild, non-detergent soap mixed with water. Avoid soaps with heavy fragrances or degreasers that could burn the leaves.

Will these bugs kill my plant?

If left untreated for a long time, they can weaken the plant by sucking out its sap. Most plants recover fully once the pests are removed.

More problems with Blood lily

• Why is my Blood lily looking mushy at the base?
• Why is my Blood lily not producing flowers?