QUESTION: A WHILE BACK, I NOTICED A WHITE POWDERY SUBSTANCE ON MY SUCCULENTS. A FRIEND TOLD ME THAT IT IS COCHINEAL AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO TREAT IT IMMEDIATELY AS I WILL LOOSE PLANTS. IT HAS NOW SPREAD TO OTHER PLANTS IN MY GARDEN. PLEASE HELP.

The 'white powdery' Cochineal (Dactylopius coccus) is a scale insect which is commonly found on succulents.  These insects feed off the moisture and nutrients of these sap-filled plants which they choose to call home.

An interesting fact about this insect is that the crimson-coloured dye called carmine is derived from it and has been in Central America since the 15^th Century. The renewed popularity of cochineal dyes, due to people not wanting synthetic product anymore, has resulted in this insect being cultivated, with Peru being the largest exporter. To rid the plants of this insect you could use the mineral oil called Oleum. Be sure to follow the dilution instructions stringently.

For more info on the Cochineal insect, click HERE