Question
I have a Gardenia that is not doing well. I have had it about two years. In the summer it is kept on the out door porch. In the winter it is kept in side.( Connecticut zone 6) This year after it was brought inside it lost a lot of leaves. The leaves and buds are turning black and drying up. On close examination there is a fine silk like web around the leaves and buds but I cannot locate any bugs. I dusted the plant with Savin 5 but the problem continues. The plant continues to try to putout new growth but it will last about a week or two before the same problem happens. HELP! Thank you.

Answer
Andrew:
The webbing may be from spider mites, very small 8 legged critters that are hard to see.  Check out some images on "Google Images" on the computer.  Sevin will not control spider mites.  If the leaves are black, see if the black is actually a coating- see if the black rubs off with a wet paper towel.  If so, it is sooty mold, a fungus that grows on insect "poop".  If it is sooty mold, best to use an insecticide- like insecticidal soap (available at any garden center/nursery).  Spray the plant outside of your house.  If the plant is actually getting crispy, it may be an issue with the soil or roots.  Be sure not to overwater while inside your home- this can lead to root rot and death.  This is a common mistake. Plants just don't drink as much while inside your home. If possible, pop it out of the pot and look at the roots to be sure they are white or cream colored.  If they are black and crumble easily, this may be a sign of rot.

Steve