Give your indoor plants a health check

Pest problems
Mealy bugs are among the worst house plant offenders, so look for the tell-tale white, fluff-covered bumps, especially under leaves and at the base of plants. Scale insects are usually raised lumps on the leaves, often accompanied by a sticky exudation that can coat the floor or furniture.

Solutions
Quarantine pest-infested plants by moving them away from others, ideally taking them outside for treatment in a shaded, frost-free position. Treat a minor mealy bug infestation by dabbing with a cotton bud dipped in methylated spirits. Remove scale insects by hand or by gently scrubbing with a brush dipped in soap.

If it looks like the pests are winning the battle and the plant is looking sorry for itself, the best solution is to throw it out and treat yourself to a beautiful replacement.

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