This is Margot's posting for a friend, so I am twice removed from the person with the issue. @Margot is unable to log on right now and has asked me to post this for her. Margot wrote me: My neighbour is very upset that her beautiful hibiscus (on an outside deck) is being attacked by one or more pests. Spider mites are evident in the first picture but I can’t tell if bumps on the leaves could be scale. She found this bug on a flower bud. Could it perhaps be the juvenile form of a lacewing or other predator? Many leaves are looking pretty messy. I suspect that the debris and honeydew on them is falling from the fir trees above. I find little specks on my outdoor furniture and suspect there are aphids in the trees causing it. I haven’t given her any advice yet but wondering, if the insect on the bud is a predator, maybe it’s best to let it and its relatives take care of the spider mites? Or would that take too long? Thank you for your suggestions.
It's hard to tell exactly what is going on in the first photo. There is clearly webbing but not positive if it is spider mites or just a 'garden' variety spider. Looks like whitefly also present and perhaps aphids as well. The first link below has good info on caring for Hibiscus generally and specifically on whitefly and spider mites (see ProGrowing Tips drop down menu) . Of course, it would have to be taken into account that it is focussed on So Cal with regard to the temperatures described but the care requirements would generally be the same. the-golden-rule-of-growing The second photo looks to be a ladybug larva. Looks like it could be the Western Polished Ladybug Cycloneda polita. browse_photos Ladybugs are not effective predators of spider mites. See link below. faq
Hi, For common hibiscus pests: Aphids: Spray with soapy water, then rinse off. Spider Mites: Mist to increase humidity, use neem oil weekly. Whiteflies: Use yellow sticky traps, spray neem oil weekly. Mealybugs: Dab with rubbing alcohol; insecticidal soap for heavy infestations. Scale: Gently scrape off, apply horticultural oil if needed. Regularly inspect leaves, especially undersides, to catch pests early. Avoid over-fertilizing to help prevent infestations.
