Question
Hi. I recently purchased a potted hibiscus that I keep on my kitchen ledge. I have a had a problem with what looks to be a sticky excretion that covers the leaves along with small black specks (they almost look like poppy seeds). The problem is worst when the plant is blooming, and it causes the leaves to yellow and eventually fall. I can't keep the plant near any others because the sticky black seedlike things stick to that plant's leaves and kill them too (it killed a neighboring rose). The substance washes off with water, but soon comes back when the plant is in bloom. What can I do to fix the problem (and what is it)? Your help is appreciated.

Answer
Hi Ross,
Thanx for your question.  I think what you are describing are spider mites.  Purchase a miticide from the nursery or use horticultural soap and clean the plant every time you see the things appear.  Eventually, you'll clear them up so long as you don't reintroduce them via exposure to other infected plants.  I hope this helps.
Tom