Hawaiian Tea Plant

Question

in florda had a beautiful tea plant, outside under covered lanai, it got whiteflies. I sprayed it down with water, then sprayed with insecticidal soap. didnt work, cut all leaves off to main stalk, started growing back beautifully. moved to zone 8 north carolina, sunroom, diffused light, got them again! moved outside to shade, drenched with water, wiped every single leaf off with soapy water, then drenched in insecticidal spray again. seemed ok for a bit, now they are coming back! sick about this, why cant I stop this disease, and what am I doing wrong, it was a beautiful plant and should grow here in carolina too. right now its still on front porch, part sun/shade. it made a sticky mess on my wood floors when indoors, thats how I found it it had a problem again. thanks

Answer 1

It is less of a disease, and more of an insect infestation. Since you can't kill all of them on this planet, you will need to protect your plants from them constantly. Stop prevention, and they will return.

Here are some articles that will help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/whitefly-control.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ti-plant/growing-hawaiian-ti-plant-indoors.htm