Will soap and water kill mealybugs?

A mild insecticidal soap or a mix of water and a drop of dish soap can help. Spray the plant thoroughly, making sure to get into all the joints.

Should I throw the plant away?

Not unless the infestation is severe and the plant is dying. Most cases are treatable with patience and consistent cleaning.

Thanksgiving cactus: pests, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the joints between the leaf segments closely.
Look for sticky residue on the leaves or the surface below the plant.
Check nearby plants to see if the infestation has spread.

Likely causes

Mealybug Infestation
Most likely
How to tell: You see small, white, cottony masses in the crevices between leaf segments. The plant may also look slightly wilted or sticky.
What to do: Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and touch it directly to each bug to kill them instantly. Repeat this process every few days until you see no more pests.
Environmental Stress
Possible
How to tell: The plant is weak from poor light or irregular watering, making it more susceptible to pests. You might see a few bugs appearing on the weakest stems.
What to do: Improve the plant's health by moving it to bright, indirect light. Keep the leaves clean by gently wiping them with a damp cloth.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your thanksgiving cactus

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

A few bugs are easy to manage, but if the entire plant is covered in white fuzz, it is a serious infestation. Isolate the plant immediately to protect your other greenery.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant healthy with proper light and water to make it less attractive to pests. Regularly inspect the stems when you water.

Thanksgiving cactus: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your thanksgiving cactus 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 soap and water kill mealybugs?: A mild insecticidal soap or a mix of water and a drop of dish soap can help. Spray the plant thoroughly, making sure to get into all the joints.
Should I throw the plant away?: Not unless the infestation is severe and the plant is dying. Most cases are treatable with patience and consistent cleaning.

Guides to these causes

Mealybugs

What are these white cottony spots on my Thanksgiving cactus?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your thanksgiving cactus?