I've been having some problems with my Money Tree - I keep finding little white furry pods on the leaves, some of them contain red mites. Every time I think I've got rid of them by hand they return. Do you know what these things are? Are they doing any harm to my tree? Will insecticide get rid of them for good. Be very grateful for any advice,
Many thanks

Sam Arthur
(London, UK)

If the white furry "pods" look similar to cotton, you could have mealie bugs, you can check this site under Plant Pest to see if that's what they are. You could also have spidermites as well. Both are plant sucking pest that can make your plant sick or worse, eventually kill it.
Pest can be eliminated with a mild soapy solution in a spray bottle, (like soapy dish water) or about an inch of rubbing alcohol, the rest tepid water.
Make sure you get the entire plant wet including under the leaves and stems, it should be dripping, so do it over a sink. You should repeat this treatment a few times, spraying once a week over a few weeks time until all pest are gone.If you miss any, they will come back.
Keep your plant away from other plants if you have any, and out of direct sun until dry. Cover soil with something like a pieces of plastic wrap or a Walmart bag when spraying.