Mealybugs on Houseplants: What to Look For and How to Keep Them in Check

A Note on Bugs, Balance and Living with Nature

If you’re keeping houseplants, you’re already inviting life into your home — and sometimes that means more life than you bargained for.

We believe it’s important to recognise that a few bugs are not just normal, they’re part of a bigger picture. Creating a warm, bright, humid space that’s perfect for tropical plants also creates the kind of environment that native creatures love. Spiders, woodlice, fruit flies, bumblebees, even the occasional wasp — these are all part of the wider ecosystem we live in. And while they may not be welcome guests on your Monstera, they’re not always something to panic about either.

At Happy Houseplants, we don’t believe in a scorched earth approach. We’re not trying to wipe out every living thing that happens to pass through the house. Harsh pesticides, sterile environments, and unrealistic expectations don’t align with our values — or with nature. And anyone who tells you they have a home full of plants and no bugs at all is probably not being entirely honest.

Some tiny insects will always find their way in — especially in summer — and most are just passing through. If you spot a house spider lurking under a shelf or a beetle minding its business on a leaf, try to resist the urge to squash or spray. They’re part of the world too.

That said, infestations are a different story. If you’re seeing persistent bugs, sticky leaves, or damage to your plants, it’s usually a sign that something in your care routine is encouraging them to settle in — most often overwatering or poor airflow. That’s where our guides come in. We’ll help you spot the warning signs, understand what’s going on, and make simple adjustments to stop things getting out of hand.

So yes, some bugs are okay. They’re part of the deal. But no one wants to live in a bug hotel either. If it’s reached that point, we’ll help you get back to balance — gently, honestly, and with respect for all the lives in your little indoor ecosystem.

Mealybugs are one of the most common – and most stubborn – houseplant pests. If you've ever noticed fluffy white clumps tucked into the nooks of your plant’s stems and leaves, you're probably looking at them. They’re slow-moving, sap-sucking insects that can cause real problems over time — but the good news is, they’re manageable.

With a bit of patience and a regular cleaning routine, you can deal with mealybugs naturally and get your plant back to good health.

What Are Mealybugs?

Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap. They’re usually found in clusters, hiding in the leaf joints or undersides, covered in a white, waxy coating that looks like cotton wool or fluff. This coating helps protect them from predators — and from being easily spotted.

Like aphids and scale, they pierce the plant tissue and slowly drain away sap, weakening the plant over time. Some species also lay eggs in the soil around the plant’s base, making repeat infestations possible if not caught early.

How to Spot Mealybugs on Indoor Plants

Look for:

• White, fluffy clusters in leaf joints or along stems

• Sticky residue (honeydew) on leaves or nearby furniture

• Yellowing leaves or distorted new growth

• Leaf drop or stunted growth

• Black sooty mould growing on sticky patches

They’re most often found on tropical plants with dense foliage or tender stems.

What Causes Mealybug Infestations?

Mealybugs love:

• Warm, dry conditions with little airflow

• Dusty or uncleaned leaves

• Overwatered or overfed plants (especially with high-nitrogen fertiliser)

• Indoor heating in winter, which lowers humidity

• Stressed or weakened plants

They often arrive unnoticed on new plants or sneak in during the warmer months when windows are open.

How to Get Rid of Mealybugs Naturally

1. Isolate the plant
   Keep it away from your other plants while you treat it.

2. Wipe off visible bugs
   Use a cotton bud dipped in diluted washing-up liquid or rubbing alcohol to remove the fluffy clusters.

3. Rinse the leaves
   A gentle spray under a tap or in the shower will help dislodge bugs and eggs, especially under leaves and along stems.

4. Use neem oil or a gentle plant-safe spray
   These disrupt the bugs’ lifecycle — but apply regularly for best results.

5. Repeat regularly
   Eggs hatch in cycles. Treat the plant every few days for at least two weeks to stay on top of it.

Persistence is key — it’s rare to clear mealybugs in one go.

How to Prevent Mealybugs Coming Back

• Check new plants carefully before bringing them indoors
• Clean leaves regularly with a damp cloth
• Avoid overfeeding, especially with nitrogen-rich fertilisers
• Encourage good airflow between plants
• Repot in fresh compost if bugs keep returning to the soil
• Support plant health with our Organic Tropical Plant Food to improve resistance

Do You Need Chemical Sprays for Mealybugs?

In most cases, no. Mealybugs respond well to consistent, gentle treatment. Harsh insecticides are rarely necessary and can cause more harm than good — especially to soft-leaved houseplants or in homes with pets and children.

Focus on physical removal, cleaning, and improving plant care.

FAQs About Mealybugs on Houseplants

Are mealybugs harmful to people or pets?
No — they’re not dangerous to humans or animals.

Will mealybugs kill my plant?
Not quickly, but they will weaken it over time and increase the risk of leaf drop or secondary problems.

Can mealybugs live in soil?
Yes. Some species lay eggs around the roots, so it may help to gently repot the plant in fresh compost if they keep returning.

Why do they keep coming back?
Mealybugs can be persistent. They often hide deep in leaf joints, and their eggs are tiny. Repeat treatment is essential.

What is the sticky stuff on my plant?
That’s honeydew — a sugary substance excreted by the bugs as they feed. It can attract mould and ants, so wipe it off regularly.

Back to Clean, Strong Growth

Mealybugs are a nuisance, but they don’t have to be a nightmare. With patience, cleaning, and a watchful eye, you can break the cycle and get your plant back to thriving. They’re a sign that your plant needs a bit of help — not that you’ve done something wrong.

Find this guide helpful? There’s more advice like this in our UK houseplant care blog — or head back to our Pest Help hub for tips on everything from aphids to fungus gnats.