What's eating my gardenia 'radicans'?

Gardenia 'Radicans' is a compact groundcover or container gardenia prone to the same indoor sap-feeding pests as other gardenias. Whitefly and spider mites are the primary threats, especially in warm, dry conditions. Mealybugs exploit the dense low growth. Outdoors in mild climates, aphids and scale also appear. High humidity and airflow reduce risk.

Yellow, dropping leaves; white insects flutter when foliage is disturbed; honeydew and sooty mould build up Yellow sticky traps; weekly insecticidal soap or pyrethrin spray; remove worst-affected shoots

Fine pale stippling and dull appearance on small leaves; webbing visible in dry spells Increase humidity; spray with neem oil or miticide every 5–7 days; ensure good air circulation around the dense canopy

White cottony colonies in stem forks and along low-growing branches; honeydew accumulation Alcohol swabs on visible colonies; neem oil or insecticidal soap spray over the whole plant; repeat weekly for 3–4 weeks