Gardenia Tree Has Bugs

Question

My husband bought me a beautiful gardenia tree for Mother’s Day and when I was transplanting it into a nice pot, I noticed it had something very tiny and white in top of the leaves and green tiny eggs or larva on the underside of the leaves. Some of the white things were also on the blooms and were moving.  What is it, and what can I do to get rid of it? I love the beautiful tree and don’t want to have to return it or see it die. I also don’t want the problem in my other flowers either.

Answer 1

Sounds like the problem may be mealy bugs. Here is an article or two that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/gardenia/gardenia-pests.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/mealybugs-white-residue-on-plants-leaves.htm

I have found neem oil to be an effective treatment. Here is more info: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm