Question
Dear Kathy,

I live in Louisville KY and have a three year old Meyer (4
ft tall).  After a stint outdoors during the summer, we
brought a very healthy plant into the basement under fluorescent grow lights for the winter.  Several weeks ago
noticed a severe aphid infection and now white fly.  Washed
it with heavy water spray.  Most of the aphids were washed
away.  Still have some white fly and a few large green
aphids.  The plant is currently in limited bloom but appears
to be struggling.  Hardly no new leaves and the tips in the
branches are dying back quickly.  

Can you please provide instructions on what to do.  Do I
need to prune back the dead branches, treat with something,
etc.

Thank you so much....

David

Answer
Hi Dave.  You can use dish water with soap suds in it rather than just plain water for starters.  I use Pure Neem Oil spray from Dyna Gro which will rid bugs and even help set more fruit.  It is a fungicide and miticide that does not wash off.  You can apply during blooming.  Bringing it in doors if it is sitting in a drain pan, you must removed the water in the pan after 15 minutes or the roots of your plants will start rotting.  If that does not sound like the problem it could be not enough water.  Prune back the dead branches.  kathy