White Soft Stuff on Gardenia Plant

Question

This stuff is on my gardenia plant. Most of the white cotton stuff is on the stems and heavier on joined branches. I have sprayed a fungicide last week and it seems to be more of that stuff. I used a cotton tip to soak the white stuff and removed it, so I thought. I think it is also in the soil. Sometimes I see a small bug flying around.

Answer 1

It sounds like mealy bugs. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/mealybugs-white-residue-on-plants-leaves.htm

You should try using neem oil. It is effective and safe for people and animals. Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm

Answer 2

there are no signs of bugs per sey, but this stuff seems like an organic matter. it smushes like a bug, but i dont have a magnifying glass to actually see it

Answer 3

That is typical of mealy bugs. They just look like white fuzz. They cluster together and can look like large and small clumps of cotton.