Scale insects
Small brown shields or white cottony clusters on stems and leaves.
Updated on 2026-07-17
Overview
Scale insects are among the trickiest pests: slow, stubborn, often mistaken for inert marks. The two most common forms are brown scale (hard shiny shields) and mealybugs (white cottony clusters).
Differential diagnosis
Immobile brown shields → brown scale. White clusters at nodes → mealybugs.
Natural remedies
Manual removal with 70% alcohol-dipped cotton buds. Repeat every 3–4 days for a month.
Treatments
White mineral oil on the whole plant, repeated every 15 days for 2 months.
Prevention
Weekly inspection, good airflow, quarantine new plants.