White-Like Powder Stuff on Plant in Pot

Question

I have a gardenia plant and it has white-like stuff on it, some where the buds should be.  I have it in a pot, not in the ground. Also, something is eating the leaves, and some leaves go yellow. It had only four flowers on it when I got it, but they have now gone. Can you please give me help with this?

Answer 1

The white powder is powdery mildew. This article will help with that:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/powdery-mildew-homemade-and-organic-remedies.htm

It is hard to say what pest is eating the leaves, but we have found neem oil to be effective against most pests. Here is more information on that:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm

This article will help you with the yellow leaves:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/gardenia/helping-a-gardenia-bush-with-yellow-leaves.htm

Answer 2

The white-like stuff is a pest called whitefly. This will require spraying of a pesticide in the early morning or late evening.The spraying should be done soon to avoid death of the plant.