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My gardenia has mealy bugs and the leaves are turning yellow. I used… | Pests, diseases and problems | Planta community

Ahhhh56

My gardenia has mealy bugs and the leaves are turning yellow. I used insecticidal soap and pruned off the infected branches, but I think it’s time for alcohol treatment. It’s not absorbing water well, so I suspect it needs a larger pot so the substantial roots have more room. I know gardenias are tricky, and I live in an area that gets cold winters and minimal sun, so I bring it inside. I don’t know if I should keep trying or just give up. My climate is not ideal for a plant like this, which makes it even harder.

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6 comments

  1. Buffy

    I have one and am in Michigan. This is my second and I hope she makes it this time! In the winter, I set the plant on a seed heating mat and used humidifier. These are so tricky. All of the buds fell off mine before they got to bloom. I don’t take mine outside at all

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  2. Buffy

    PS Good luck. I am not giving up yet! My Grandma raised them so I want to try🪴

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    • Ahhhh56

      I feel the same way. I treated the mealy bugs with qtips dipped in alcohol and repotted it this morning. It didn’t need a larger pot- I just had to plant it more deeply. If it survives the summer outside, I may follow your strategy and make it an indoor plant. Thanks for your advice!

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  3. LeafyGreenhouse

    Maybe it’s not strong enough maybe try diatomaceous earth and maybe switch to semi hydroponics this way pests can’t lay eggs in the soil

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    • LeafyGreenhouse

      Also If your keeping it in soil cut off dead leafs and change soil (clean roots throughly and cut off dead roots ) the soil could be water resistant

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    • Ahhhh56

      Thanks. I did use different soil when I repotted it, and diatomaceous earth is a great idea!

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