My china doll plant developed brown soft scale about a year ago. I keep thinking I get it under control by removing the soft scales with soapy water, and I've even cut off the stems that are showing the scale. However, I can't seem to get it all, and I don't want the plant to die as a result. Would it kill the plant if I cut it back severely in an attempt to get rid of the bug? I've tried all kinds of houseplant bug sprays, and nothing has worked. The plant is about 4 years old and about 3 feet tall. Thanks, Hilary
Hi, Hilary. I wouldn't remove any healthy stems. Juvenile scale are crawlers that are not visible to the naked eye. Younger adults have shells that are flat, nearly transparent, and very difficult to see. It could be why they keep coming back in your case - you have to get all of them. I would spray the plant rather forcefully and thoroughly with a hose to remove them before tackling the adult scale. See this post in Our Little Grapefruit Tree Needs Help | UBC Botanical Garden Forums for more details.
