Question From: Medina, Tennessee, United States
Q: My wife's indoor hibiscus is dropping leaves. I can not find but very few spider mites, no aphids or whiteflies, but there is a shiny exudate on the leaves. What might be causing the drop or the exudate?
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A: That's the honey dew from aphids. Hibiscus are bug traps. My friend puts his in the shower once a week. The stiff spray of cool water, targeting the undersides of the leaves, does a good job of washing them away. Spraying with a neem oil product is another option. Better to do both. It's not a silver bullet so plan to keep the once a week ritual. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy.
