I just inherited a tree fern with a 6 ft stem. I have a green-house and I already have a 4 ft. tree fern who is very happy, so I know I can offer what it needs, however,the new one is in rough shape. Mealy bugs galore!! Every where I look I read don't let pesticides come in contact with the plant. What can I do. I can't squish them all... I can't reach far enough into the neck. I'll be trans-planting it on Monday, which means it's already going through alot. I really don't want to lose it!!!Oh and I don't care about it being organic or not. I want what best for the plant. While I've got your attention what fertilizer is best for these ferns anyway???
I'm not sure this would be good for a tree fern or not, maybe try this treatment on a small part to see how it reacts first. I had gotten rid of mealies on a large carnosa hoya with a mix of alcohol and water ( couple inches alcohol, rest water) and used a few drops of mild dish soap and water on another day in one those spray bottles. I heard of people using insecticidal soap too. The trick is getting complete coverage on the leaves/fronds, including under the leaves until it's dripping like rain (keep out of any sun when wet) I also covered the soil with plastic baggies to keep it all away from the roots. You'll have to do the treatment every 5-7 days for a few weeks, but if you miss any, they will be back! Horrid creatures! I rinsed the leaves down around an hour after treatment, not sure if I had to or not, but I wasn't sure if either would irritate it after a while or not.
