I noticed red insect like thing stick on the back of leaves and black spots like things on stem of areca palms what are these?
Now That I see a picture, it looks like red aphids. This isn't the only color that they come in. It still isn't quite perfectly clear, but that's what it looks like.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/homemade-aphid-control.htm
I have an ornamental yellow leaf flowering bush that was eaten bare by grasshoppers despite the Neem oil I applied. It was bare by mid-summer, so I don't think it was able to replenish its roots. I love that bush that I planted when I first moved into my newly built home. I have lived here now 31years & had never seen such a plague of hoppers. I used Neem oil as I did not want to harm the toads & birds that might eat some of the treated villains. I didn't get good results from the Neem Oil & now understand it is most effective when the hoopers are less than 1/2 inch. I will definitely apply the oil much earlier next year. Thank you for any suggestions you might have.
Unfortunately, without knowing the species, I can't give a very straightforward answer. Many species of shrubs and trees will come back from heavy damage. Still, there are many that are a lost cause. It is always worth trying to save it, though. Since there are a few factors that might be working against you, there is little that you can do. Providing the best conditions possible will give it a better chance.
For good measure, I would test the soil for deficiencies or pH imbalances.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm
This will help you to combat the grasshopper issue:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/grasshopper-control.htm
I was given two large cacti recently and just realized they have scale. Unlike the usual soft scale, this is very hard to remove! If it is, indeed, scale, what is the best way to remove it? Can I use a systemic? Just for info, the plants are in a south window, which is all I have, and I do not have any outdoor access. The only way to isolate them is to put the plant in a clear plastic bag, as they are in a small apartment with many plants. As far as I can see, the infestation has not yet spread to other plants. Pics below..they are not of the worst section, but I thought they are clearer to see
Yep! This is one of the many types of armored scale. It is treated the same way, but you have to get the ones that have already sealed themselves in, by hand, first. I always take a baby wipe and get what I can off of my indoor trees and plants before I spray. They are a big problem when they are in an indoor setting.
My go to is using azadiractin (The active ingredient in neem oil) and pyrethrins (The active ingredient in chrysanthemums). They are harmless to animals and humans when you use it correctly.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/control-plant-scale.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/what-are-organic-pesticides.htm
Infested with black ants but can’t see any other pest. Not sure about drainage and there was consistent downpour about three weeks ago (root rot). Soil seems moist.
I would inspect very closely. Check undersides of leaves, or on dying leaves. This looks quite a bit like aphid damage, whether it be non woolly, or a woolly species. I do see some conserning white spots, and maybe a woolly aphid on one or two of the leaves. Ants will farm them for the honeydew that they excrete.
I'd treat for aphids and ants, and watch for the decline to slow or stop.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/homemade-aphid-control.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/woolly-aphid-control.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/controlling-aphids-and-ants.htm
It looks like water drops but its oil to the touch it’s growing like crazy and looks very healthy
I can't see the photo clearly, but I do notice what may look like scale. This insect has many species that classify them as scale. They all vary in appearance, from flat and tan, to large and black or red, to white and woolly looking. They are all hard to treat. I see signs of leaf curling a little. That and a few possible forming spots, which, along with the sap, leads me to believe scale insects to be the case.
You will want to remove as many as you can, then treat with something like neem oil.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/what-is-soft-scale.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/control-plant-scale.htm
This one is, specifically, for lemon trees, but used to show differences in appearance.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/citrus/controlling-citrus-scale.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/azadirachtin-vs-neem-oil.htm
You recently published an article about making homemade insecticidal soap. It call for pure liquid soap, not detergent. Can you give me an example of what that might be? When I google it, there are so many examples but they all seem to be ads to buy their product and I'm not sure exactly what I should be looking for. Is Dr. Bronner an example of a pure liquid soap, for example? What are some others?
For homemade insecticidal soaps, a gentle soap like castile is preferable to avoid a lot of the additives and detergents in dishwashing soaps.
However, University extension articles point out that dish soap, even pure soap, are not registered insecticides so results can be inconsistent and risky. It is best to use a commercial insecticidal soap, which has been tested for safety, consistency, and effectiveness.
I have sprayed my hibiscus during the summer and fed them and brought them in for the winter. My leaves are starting to drop. I’m thinking that’s normal but three times I have dealt with these tiny little critters on the buds and ends of the hibiscus plant. I have sprayed them only to see them disappear for a while, any guidance you can provide would be appreciated. I did search for typical hibiscus bugs and none of them seemed the small and even if they’re there for a while I don’t ever see anything bigger.
Since there is webbing, I am going to say they are probably spider mites. You can try to control spider mites with a miticide. Or try neem oil spray.