Drenching plants in water washes off any pests that are claiming your plants as their home. Rinsing the leaves thoroughly with tepid water also rids plants of accumulated dust that blocks out the weak winter sun. With decreased vigor, fertilizer and water requirements also decrease. Water infrequently and don't fertilize until late winter when sunlight increases. Excess water and fertilizer in winter can injure the roots of your indoor plants.
Mealybugs are a common houseplant pest that infest all plant parts including the roots.
Foliage becomes discolored and deformed due to mealybugs feeding on the sap. Mealybugs live in groups scattered throughout the plant so if you see some, it's likely there are more on the roots or elsewhere. Mealybugs secrete a white waxy substance that protects them and makes them tough to control. Hand removal is the most effective means of control, but dabbing individuals with cotton swabs saturated with alcohol will work as well. Mealybug populations may overwhelm you and your plant.