White Cottony Looking Spots on Stems and Sticky Leaves on Gardenia

Question

I have three gardenia plants in pots in my home and they have white cottony spots on stems and the base of the leaves, and the leaves turn yellow and sticky and fall off. I don’t have a problem with the flowers; there are plenty of them.  Am I over watering them? Ido it every other day, which is fine but I leave them sitting in the water.  I don’t fertilize them. What can I do to get rid of the white stuff and sticky yellow leaves?

Answer 1

It sounds like mealy bugs or scale. Both of which can be treated with neem oil. Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/mealybugs-white-residue-on-plants-leaves.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/scale-bug-how-to-control-plant-scale.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm