---
title: "My gardenia has mealy bugs and the leaves are turning yellow. I used…"
description: "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…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/9FnAPb2fGYMx9s5S8HGaKz?language=es"
community: "Pests, diseases and problems"
author: "Ahhhh56"
published: "2025-06-08T18:22:03.736207Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/Q85m8L_4_CpVDHbwRuUpHT8VnMClAW6U6-xuZAqj-qk/Rwhi1irHQdiBIrNwJ5LnHg.webp?size=large"
---

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# My gardenia has mealy bugs and the leaves are turning yellow. I used…

_Publicado por Ahhhh56 el 2025-06-08_

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.

![Adjunto 1 de 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/Q85m8L_4_CpVDHbwRuUpHT8VnMClAW6U6-xuZAqj-qk/Rwhi1irHQdiBIrNwJ5LnHg.webp?size=large)

## 6 comentarios

### Buffy comentó el 2025-06-08

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

![Adjunto 1 de 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/l3QRnB-9Vndz0yqb6GyEK_iHOzgk4fAdcG6NL_VnOPU/PkzR9Jp7TVyHjMasFdcP9g.webp?size=large)

### Buffy comentó el 2025-06-08

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

#### Ahhhh56 respondió el 2025-06-09

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!

### LeafyGreenhouse comentó el 2025-06-10

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

#### LeafyGreenhouse respondió el 2025-06-10

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

#### Ahhhh56 respondió el 2025-06-10

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

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