small white and black bugs on hibiscus?

Question

i have a hibicus plant that has small white bugs on the leaves and small black bugs on the blooms.i tried a spray soap wash from the local hardware store but has been unsatisfactory.the plant is in a pot on my patio.

Answer 1

"Moonbeam..." is right on, but she forgot about the "black bugs", which I'm pretty sure are black aphids. They leave an ugly black film or powder on the plant and the leaves turn yellow and die back, if allowed to remain.

It sounds like you have a serious investation. I've done the same things you have done with limited success, but it is really the only way to get rid of them organically. You just have to do it weekly until you get rid of them all. "Sevin" is sometimes thought to be an organic solution, but it is toxic, so use with care. I agree with Moonbeam in that it tends to be a bigger gun than the soap and water treatments.

Using "systemics" is another option, but understand that when using systemic insecticides or fertilizer with insecticide that you are making the entire plant poisonous. If children or animals eat any part of such a plant treated with systemics, they may get very sick... or worse. Plus, the plant or soil may give off a chemical odor that is offensive to some.

Try moving the pot(s) to a sunnier area of your patio, too. That might helps some. Be sure to thoroughly wash off any soap solutions that you use to avoid sun leaf burn.

Feed your hybiscus regularly. Potted flowering plants need more food than those that are in the ground. Watch for ants. They tend aphids and encourage their spread. Ants can be controled with insecticidal soap, as well.

Answer 2

They are called whitefly, and hibiscus are particularly prone to be infected by it.

First, try to spray a stream of water from a hose to dislodge the pests. Spray under the leaves, too.

If they are still a problem, you can try insecticidal soap, or you can even make your own soapy water mix to spray on the plant. This won't hurt the plant, but can control a variety of plant pests. Make sure to spray all surfaces of the leaves.

If this still doesn't work, you have to call in the "big guns". This is now the time for insecticides, like "Sevin" brand, which is what I use. Spray the plant thoroughly under and on top of the leaves.You may need to do this more than once, repeating every day for a few day. This will stop the problem.

After it's cleared up, you can continue to give the hibiscus a spray every week just to be pro-active and prevent new infections.

Just be careful with the Sevin or any other insecticide, since it's toxic, that you don't breathe it in. And wash the residue off your hands right away to be safe.

Good luck and enjoy your beautiful hibiscus plant!

Answer 3

Pests that damage hibiscus by sucking plant juices can also be a problem. These include scale, mealybugs, spider mites, aphids, whiteflies, and thrips. These pests are generally more of a problem in areas with poor air circulation. Control of these pests can be difficult if large populations are allowed to develop. Thrips generally feed on flower buds and may produce distorted flowers or cause flower bud drop.

Take a sample of leaf and flower with pests to local cooperative extension/master gardener office. They can help you identify the specific pests you have and suggest several approaches to try.

Answer 4

Try a systemic food and pesticide for roses. It will work well for hibiscus and no spraying needed follow label directions.