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.
Plants: 2 | From: Georgia | Registered: Mar 2006
| Seeded: 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.
* * * * Dave Even my growlights are getting restless! Plants: 2290 | From: norman, ok | Registered: Apr 2005
| Seeded: 69.30.170.166
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