Question
Duranta infestation
I have many small, white/lt. gray bugs on my Duranta. They are up to 3/16" across. It is in a 12" pot and is about 3 ft. tall. Many leaves are falling off, some have blackspots, see attached picture. The plant was outside for the summer but was taken inside in October for the New York winter. I would like to identify the bug/scale and any help with a treatment to eliminate it would be appreciated.
AnswerHi Bob,
Duranta is almost never used as a houseplant because it does not fare well indoors where the light is not strong enough and night time temps do not drop low enough in most homes. Most people use these as annuals outdoors in northern climates and don't attempt to overwinter them. Thus, I am not sure your efforts to treat the scale are worth it.
Scale is best treated with a solution of 5 parts water, 1 part rubbing alcohol and a squirt of liquid dish soap. Thoroughly spray all leaf and stem surfaces until they are dripping wet. I also suggest pruning back your Duranta sharply to make the spraying easier.
I have written an article on indoor pest problems that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who sends a request to me at
[email protected].
Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.
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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC
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