I have a hibiscus plant that’s been outside my house for years. We basically just ignore it typically cause it’s been growing fine on it’s own for so long. But lately I noticed this white stuff all over it. I treated it with an insecticide and neem oil over the last week or two and seen no improvement. Anyone know what this is and what I can do?? I don’t want this plant to die after being here for so long :(
Those look like aphids. A great opportunity to buy a box of lady bugs and let them get to work 🐞
6 J'aimeThat is the best idea ever 😍
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Spray them with the hose or use beneficial bugs :)
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Yup. You’ve got a massive aphid infestation. Happened to my hibiscus (mine looks same as yours pink flowers)… and from what I understand aphids LOVE this plant as much as they like roses. So they will come and multiply like this every year if you don’t catch it at very beginning. They hibernate in winter. Unfortunately I don’t think there would be enough lady bugs (plus they fly and don’t stay) to manage eating that huge of a population, but they will help. I think best thing to do is prune back the worst effected part of plant and flower bud parts (they love that part best) and burn them (sorry!) or get rid of the cutting/aphids in some way besides putting in green bin where they will just hop out and spread. Then re-treat the rest of plant with neem & /or insecticide once a week for several more weeks. Almost looks like mealy bug sacks in left photo too. Could be wrong. 🤢
2 J'aimeThanks! Definitely thinking I’m gonna have to prune back a bunch. I wish I had caught it sooner 😭 it’s so tucked away in the yard and requires such little maintenance that it missed my radar
0 J'aimeAlso consider replanting to an area of yard with more airflow. Always bag bug infestation trimmings and don’t leave around
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