Brownish/Black Hard Shells on Stems of Gardenia

Question

Every year my plant suffers from these hard things that form on the branches. Leaves get sticky and small webs form. When it was smaller, I could put it in the shower and wash it, but it has gotten too big for that now. What are these things, and how do I keep them from forming on my tree?

Answer 1

It sounds like your plant has scale bugs or a similar sap sucking bug. The sticky substance is produced by them and will stop once the pest issue is addressed. This article should help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/scale-bug-how-to-control-plant-scale.htm