We have a gardenia in a pot that looks extremely healthy.However,after a good look i found ants crawling through the foliage and they were centered on a white fungus where the leaves joined the main stem.Any info would be appreciated…….AL

hi AL,

the white stuff is probably some sort of scale or mealy bug. An insect that sucks the sap of the plants and excretes a sugary substance that ants love. This is what you need to get rid of to get rid of the ants. You could remove manually by squashing them for scale or dabbing with metho for mealy bugs or if there are too many spray with white oil, but not when it is hot or in full sun. The white oil will smother the insects.

Another thing I would check for is whether the ants have nested in the pot. This would also indicate that the soil is too dry. Depending on the size of the pot either submerge it in a bucket or even the bath, or tip to the side and plug up the drainage holes with clay or something. Fill the pot with water until it can take no more and let soak for an hour or two. Don’t forget to remove the plugs or you will drown your plant!

Thanks for that Bluegreen,will the white oil get rid of the white scale?…..AL

it will kill it, although the carcasses may be left for a while.

OK folks,the ongoing saga of the gardenia continues……….the ant problem has been resolved (i think) however a new drama is being played out.I have always been of the impression not to over water plants,but this particular specimen loves water,to the point that the large saucer under the 12 inch pot has water in it.Anything less a water a day results in the plant drooping(i call it sulking) Outward appearance is of a healthy plant with new growth appearing! Would someone like to throw some light on this?Regards…………AL

46150 said:

OK folks,the ongoing saga of the gardenia continues……….the ant problem has been resolved (i think) however a new drama is being played out.I have always been of the impression not to over water plants,but this particular specimen loves water,to the point that the large saucer under the 12 inch pot has water in it.Anything less a water a day results in the plant drooping(i call it sulking) Outward appearance is of a healthy plant with new growth appearing! Would someone like to throw some light on this?Regards…………AL

A guess…old water repellent potting mix leading you to believe the plant has sufficient water available to it, when it’s actually just running straight through via a couple of direct channels and the ONLY water the plant can access is in the saucer, hence it’s desperate need for it. How old is the potting mix and were you aware that plants should be repotted into new potting mix every couple of years? I find that a good soak (20 mins) in a tub or bucket so that water level is above that of pot and air bubbles up from potting mix will also rejuvenate potted plants in summer, but this is only an interim treatment until you repot into new mix. I like to put a bit of wetting agent and Seasol in the soaking water too.

…………..thanks for the info hortfurball.The potting mix is relatively new(say 2 months) how long at the retailer???who knows.I will continue to water the plant well,as it seems to tolerate the amounts well.Regards…………AL