What's eating my brilliant hibiscus?

Brilliant Hibiscus, grown as a tropical houseplant or patio specimen, is most troubled by whitefly and spider mites. Whitefly colonies sap vigor and coat leaves in sticky honeydew. Mealybugs and scale also colonize stem joints. Inspect leaf undersides weekly and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil at the first sign.

Clouds of tiny white adults rise from leaves when disturbed; nymphs feeding on undersides cause yellowing, wilting, and a sticky honeydew layer that breeds sooty mold. Hang yellow sticky traps near the plant. Spray all leaf undersides with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5 days for 3–4 rounds. Isolate from other plants until clear.

Fine silver stippling on upper leaf surfaces and tiny webs in joints; thrives in warm, dry indoor conditions; leaves bronze and drop if untreated. Increase humidity around the plant. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth and apply neem oil or insecticidal soap to both leaf surfaces weekly until symptoms stop.

White cottony waxy fluff in leaf axils and along stems; insects suck sap causing stunted, distorted growth and honeydew that invites sooty mold. Dab individual bugs with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol. Spray the whole plant with neem oil solution weekly. Repeat for 4–6 weeks — eggs survive a single treatment.

Clusters of soft-bodied insects on new buds and shoot tips; cause distorted flowers and leaves, sticky residue, and attract ants when grown outdoors. Blast off with a strong water jet. Spray insecticidal soap every 4–5 days. Neem oil works as both insecticide and repellent. Outdoors, let ladybugs manage the population.