Question
hibiscus problem
Hi, I have a hibiscus that has been in a pot for almost a year. About 4 months ago it started putting off a sap like substance on everything around it. It has dark brown or black bumps on the branches. It also has black mold looking stuff on some of the leaves. I sprayed a insect killer on it and it hasn't improved at all. What is this stuff? What can I do to help my plant.
Thanks!
AnswerThe bumps are scale insects. Your plant has a good infestation of them. They do not move when feeding but can be scraped off with your fingernail. The sooty mold you see is a harmless nonpathogenic mold that is growing on the sugary substance called honeydew that the insects secrete. If you can control the bugs, the mold will go away on its own. I would treat the plant with Bayer Advanced Tree and Shrub Insecticide. This product is mixed with water and poured on the soil around the base of the plant. It is taken up systemically and will kill the bugs within a week or so. It also provides protection from reinfestation for up to a year. This product will work very well. Good Luck.
