How do I treat mealybugs on Prayer plant?

Dab visible mealybugs with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol — the alcohol dissolves the wax and kills on contact. For wider infestations, spray the whole plant with insecticidal soap, repeat every 7–10 days for 3–4 cycles. Systemic imidacloprid drenches (per label, not on edible plants) work for severe cases. Isolate the plant from other plants for at least 4 weeks after the last visible mealybug.

How do I prevent mealybugs on Prayer plant?

Inspect new plants thoroughly, including the soil surface and root crown, before bringing them home. Avoid over-fertilizing — mealybugs prefer plants with high nitrogen levels. Wipe leaves down monthly so you spot early stages.

PEST DIAGNOSIS · CITED TO UC IPM — MEALYBUGS

Mealybugs on Prayer plant: how to identify and treat

How to identify mealybugs on Prayer plant

White cottony masses in leaf axils, undersides of leaves, and where leaves meet stems. Individual adults are 2–3 mm, oval, pinkish-white. Eggs are laid inside the cottony egg sac.

Damage signs to look for

Yellowing leaves, leaf drop, stunted new growth, sticky honeydew on lower leaves and the pot rim, and black sooty mold growing on the honeydew.

Treatment ladder

Dab visible mealybugs with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol — the alcohol dissolves the wax and kills on contact.
For wider infestations, spray the whole plant with insecticidal soap, repeat every 7–10 days for 3–4 cycles.
Systemic imidacloprid drenches (per label, not on edible plants) work for severe cases.
Isolate the plant from other plants for at least 4 weeks after the last visible mealybug.

Prevention going forward

Inspect new plants thoroughly, including the soil surface and root crown, before bringing them home.
Avoid over-fertilizing — mealybugs prefer plants with high nitrogen levels.
Wipe leaves down monthly so you spot early stages.

Life cycle

Egg to adult in ~30 days indoors. Females lay 300–600 eggs inside the cottony mass. Crawlers (newly-hatched nymphs) are mobile and spread to nearby plants.

Source

Identification, treatment intervals, and prevention guidance per UC IPM — Mealybugs. Always follow the product label when applying any pesticide or horticultural oil.