Bird of Paradise

Are these patterns on my bird of paradise concerning?

Yes! I can't tell what the insects are, but they need to be removed ASAP.

Wisc, gardener---
WHERE did you get this plant? At a reputable Nursery or at a Big Box store?

These kind of plants are all grown in FL in the fields. Many times, they already
have all kinds of infestations, but they clean them up so they look nice for selling.
Then about 6 months later--the mealy Bugs and Scale show up. They are hiding
in every crevice and leaf node. White Fly too--one of the hardest insects to get rid of.

In pic. #2--I see scale (the brown round things) as well as some kind
of Mites--the rod-like white things. These could be White Fly. When you move the
leaves around--do you see tiny white things flying all around? Those are White Fly.

In pic. #3--I also see what looks like mealy Bugs--look where the stem joins the leaf.
All that cottony bunched up stuff. That is a dead giveaway.

ou have a very serious, heavy infestation with multiple insects.

The only thing I can think of is to give the whole plant a good scrubbing with a soapy sponge.
Maybe you can lay it down into a child's swimming pool--the plastic ones or your tub.
Add some dish SOAP-(like "JOY" NOT detergent--like "Dawn"!
Lay the plant into the water and go at it. Then rinse it off really well. Allow to air dry.

Then poting it back up in a clean pot with clean soil is a MUST-as some of these critters
live in the soil as well.. like Root Mealy Bugs.
Then--repeat the spraying with "Horticultural Oil" or "Neem" once a week for a few weeks.

IF this [plant does not mean a lot to you--I would just toss it in the trash.
All that you must do because of these bugs is almost not worth it. Think about it!
Bird of Pradise is exceptionally prone to all these insect infestations.

If it has been less than a year since you bought it (like at a HD or Lowes)--and IF you still
have the receipt--you could take it back and get your money back.

Good luck! Let us know what you decided to do.

Gita

Ditto gitagal, this plant has several problems.

In addition to the major clean up I would use a systemic pesticide. This will kill most of the pests that eat the plant or suck the juices from the plant.

Thanks, Diana--for agreeing with my advice. You are always the first to jump in with answers. We love on opposite coasts. I am in Baltimore, MD....you are in CA.

I would not even deal with systemics in this case--as that can take a month before
one sees any results. The damage is already done. It cannot be un-done.
Also--the old "Bonide Systemic Granules" are hard to find nowadays.
And--they cost an arm and a leg if you do find them.

I work at a Home Depot (17 years) in Garden--and I know what we carry--and
what we used to carry. Like--Diazenon is GONE and replaced by Triazicide.
Bonide Systemic Granules are gone almost 10 years ago. ..maybe more.

Now there is "Bayer"--an excellent product--both liquid and granular systemics.
I always try to explain to customers the benefits of systemics. Many have NO clue
what that is about. I LOVE...LOVE educating customers about all aspects of gardening.

My advice is usually down-to-Earth--as I share not only information and advice,
but also solutions from my own experience and learning.

Daves Garden has been an amazingly helpful source over the years.

Gita