White Spots on Hibiscus

Question

I have a potted hibiscus plant from a friend and at one time at her house (I should tell you we are living in Naples, Italy with the military), she showed me this hibiscus with many white, and even black, spots on the ends where the flowers were forming. She tried treating it with water and liquid soap to no avail. She then cut it totally back and it started to grow like crazy. I got it when she went back to America. It was doing great for awhile, but now the same thing is happening. What can I do to get rid of these spots and get a healthy hibiscus again?

Answer 1

It is likely scale or mealybugs. The treatment for both is the same, though I prefer using neem oil. These articles will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/scale-bug-how-to-control-plant-scale.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/mealybugs-white-residue-on-plants-leaves.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm