What is this that is killing some of my plants,

Julie Giddens
by Julie Giddens
I can't seem to get rid of this and i have no idea what it is. It's only on some plants,
  4 answers
  • Douglas Hunt Douglas Hunt on Jun 09, 2014
    You don't say what kind of plant that is, so I don't know how enlarged the photo is, but my first thought is mealybugs. It is sometimes necessary to use a systemic insecticide with them because they have a waxy outer covering that means contact insecticides are only effective when they are young. Make sure you spray thoroughly to get the undersides of the leaves.
  • Julie Giddens Julie Giddens on Jun 09, 2014
    That is a seed pod from a angel trumpet.But so far its severely damaged a small gardenia. Killed a mum, The leaves are yellowing on some more. I've tried washing them off, neem oil, tobacco spray, A three in one plant care product without luck. here another picture.
  • Leona G Leona G on Jun 10, 2014
    It looks like a type of scale or mealy bugs, Both should have responded to the oil sprays. Be careful using Neem or an all season oil spray especially during the summer. The other thing would be to take it to your county extension office for a positive id and recommendation.
    • See 2 previous
    • Leslie Long Leslie Long on Jun 10, 2014
      @Leona G Well that explains it. Yes, best time is evening or morning but when you said you didn't use it in the summer, it confused me :) Thanks! I love NEEM and it's my first choice for me!
  • Leslie Long Leslie Long on Jun 10, 2014
    I agree with Douglas about being sure to get the underside of the leaves. Whether it is mealy bugs or some type of scale, it must be drenched to be effective. Neem works wonderfully for both of those here in FL and I drench the plant, wait a couple days, drench it again and then use it as a preventative (for any stragglers) weekly for a month or so after. Good luck and I hope it works for you :)