White flies, aphids, scale bugs and mealy bugs are the most common culprits. It has large glossy leaves that have a lovely contrast with the soft flowers when they appear. How Gardenia is effective for various diseases is listed in repertory format. Mealybugs received their name because the white waxy coating on their backs resembles ground meal. The cocoon outside the folded leaf is most likely from a caterpillar that could have been feeding on the leaves of your plant. aphids, Epsom salts, fungus spots, gardenia, ladybugs, yellow leaves Most people enjoy the beauty and fragrance of gardenias. 1. Both of these things will cause the white flowers to turn brown. Gardenia plants are usually quick growers and easy to care for, but they do suffer from a few problems that crop up now and then. To see these fast-moving pests, you need a magnifying lens. This is very safe to use but will kill the grubs and caterpillars within a few days. Both the leaves and the blooms of a gardenia plant can become discolored for different reasons. There’s a range of garden pests that can affect gardenia blooms. To control the earwigs spread Baysol (snail bait) around your plants every two to three weeks. The gardenia will also have an overall unhealthy appearance and poor growth. To control grubs and caterpillars spray with a product called Dipel. Share. Over the summer my gardenia was outside and doing great..I brought it inside and it's not doing so well. Spots in various colors - reds, yellows and browns - develop on the leaves due to fungal or bacterial infections. Leaf Spots. In hot climates, Gardenias grow best with morning sun and afternoon shade. Insufficient light: Although a Gardenia plant prefers full sun, some shade is appreciated during the warmer months of the year or its leaves may scorch and its buds may fall off if they get too much sunlight. What happens is these insects secrete sugar-rich droppings, and the mold grows on these droppings. Search through previous questions or post your own gardening questions online so that the experts at Gardening Know How as well as garden experts from around the world can help you find the solution to your gardening problems. The major pests include: Aphids - One of the most common pests in the garden on all types of plants. Additionally, plant any replacement gardenias in a different location and clean all of your trimming shears and knives to prevent transferring the disease to other plants. This bug is flat and related to aphids and scale insects. If, however, the foliage is wilted, spotted or in any way less than robust, your plants are likely to be suffering from a pest, disease, nutrient deficiency or other problem. These can be treated by spraying plants with a soap solution (one tsp of liquid soap to one gallon of water). Leafminers particular like columbine, mums, citrus trees and tomatoes. Since then, the dad(my other cat) has been insane...hissing @ her, hidding in my daughters room, crying, not eating, etc. The mold itself doesn't harm the plant, but it does mean your gardenia is infested with an insect such as aphids, mealybugs, or scales. What's eating my plants? If your Gardenia's leaves turn yellow and drop, aside from the normal aging process of its leaves, this may be caused by any of these reasons: Over-watering or under-watering: Gardenias need at least 1 inch of rain (or equivalent watering) each week. If you can see them underneath the leaves, spray with an insecticide. The leaves on your plants are trying to tell you something. My mother loves gardenias and that’s good enough for me. Peach Tree - The leaves on my Redskin peach are wilting, turning yellow and falling off. Continue to feed the caterpillar. 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