posted
I have several large gardenia plants that have scale on the back side of the leaves, and a black coating on the top of the leaves. I have tried several insecticides, plant shampoo, and a tonic using cayenne pepper. None of these has helped. I live in Georgia, so the plants stay green all year round. Has anyone got a solution for this problem.
Posts: 2 | From: Georgia | Registered: Mar 2006
| Logged: 207.69.139.151
posted
Dixie...I would post this in the pests and problems area if I were you. I'm surprised what you've tried didn't work. The black coating is probably a mold that is feeding on "honeydew" secreted by aphids. You might try blasting them with a hard spray of water every day or 2 for a couple of weeks and see if that helps any. As for the scale, insecticidal soap or dormant oil might help...that should help with the aphids, too. Neem is a very good natural pesticide that you could try. I'm no expert on gardenias, though, so maybe someone else will be able to help.
bbbbbbbbb Dave Even my growlights are getting restless! Posts: 2290 | From: norman, ok | Registered: Apr 2005
| Logged: 69.30.170.166
login | 
| 
| 
Printer-friendly view of this topic
