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Plant Diseases - white rice looking things on all leaves of gardenia plant
Expert: Dr Stephen Vann - 11/4/2009
Question
I brought the plant for the winter and it has developed in a short period of time this white rice looking things all over it. what do I do. How do I get rid of this ? It is on all leaves it seems.
Answer
Hi Lucy:
It's getting about that time of the year to bring the plants in off the deck or porch. We have already had a few nights in the low 40's, a bit chilly for those tender ones!
I suspect that the white rice things on your gardenia may be some sort of insect that may have gotten on it while it was outside- I can relate. From your description, I would be suspicious of some type of scale insect. It is best to be sure before you decide a course of action. One quick thing to consider is removing a couple of leaves with these things on them and carry by your local garden center/nursery as ask for an identification and suggested remedy- which may be an insecticide such as Safer Brand Insecticidal Soap or a Bayer product called Bayer Tree and Shrub Insect Control. This one can be applied to the soil and is taken up by the plant. You can treat it outside then bring it in. BUT, you need to be sure what you have first before you go and buy some of these products- they can be expensive too! So, carry a leaf or two by your nursery/garden center to get an ID.
You can also consider taking a closeup photo of a leaf with these things on it and sending it to me. Be sure to review it on your computer first- to be sure it is in focus before attaching it to your message to send. I have a next door neighbor who is good at bug identification and I can show it to him.. If you take a photo, try to get as close as you can to the "rice grains" so I can have a good look at them.
Enjoy the weather. I personally hope we get some snow- we are overdue!!
Regards
Steve
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