Hello, I got my first ti plant last week and just repoted...
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@CuteThicketbean Welcome to the Greg community. White specks on a Ti plant stem usually indicate the presence of a pest, most likely mealybugs which appear as tiny, cotton-like clusters that suck sap from the plant; these white specks are their bodies and can be found on both the leaves and stems of the plant. Other potential causes for white specks on a Ti plant stem could include:
Powdery mildew:
A fungal disease that creates a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems.
Spider mites:
Tiny spider-like creatures that can leave behind a fine webbing, sometimes appearing as white specks.
Scale insects:
Small, hard-shelled insects that can look like bumps on the stem and may appear white or slightly colored.
What to do:
Inspect closely:
Use a magnifying glass to identify the exact culprit causing the white specks.
Isolate the plant:
If you suspect a pest infestation, isolate the Ti plant from other plants to prevent spread.
Hand removal:
For small infestations, carefully remove the pests by hand using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
Horticultural oil:
Apply a horticultural oil solution to the affected areas to control pests.
Insecticidal soap:
Another option for mild infestations, use a diluted insecticidal soap solution. Hope this helps. Happy Growing!
Powdery mildew:
A fungal disease that creates a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems.
Spider mites:
Tiny spider-like creatures that can leave behind a fine webbing, sometimes appearing as white specks.
Scale insects:
Small, hard-shelled insects that can look like bumps on the stem and may appear white or slightly colored.
What to do:
Inspect closely:
Use a magnifying glass to identify the exact culprit causing the white specks.
Isolate the plant:
If you suspect a pest infestation, isolate the Ti plant from other plants to prevent spread.
Hand removal:
For small infestations, carefully remove the pests by hand using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
Horticultural oil:
Apply a horticultural oil solution to the affected areas to control pests.
Insecticidal soap:
Another option for mild infestations, use a diluted insecticidal soap solution. Hope this helps. Happy Growing!
Beautiful plant! Love the colors. I use an insecticidal soap by Natria and it has worked wonders. I also use Neem oil, but the soap works the best.