Question
I HAVE A HOYA PLANT THAT HAS A WHITE POWDERY SUBSTANCE ON ITS LEAVES.  WHAT IS THIS AND HOW DO I GET RID OF IT.  ALSO MY BEGONIAS HAVE FRUIT FLY LIKE BUGS IN THE SOIL AND FLYING AROUND THEM.  WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Answer
Dear Doris,

It sounds as if your hoya plant has powdery mildew and your begonias thrips to which they are susceptible.  You need a fungicide for the first and an insecticide for the second.  Buy a reputable make and follow the instructions.  You should remove badly mildewed leaves from your hoya before spraying.  I hope it won't be long before your plants are back to their normal glory.

Good Luck

Diana