I have a tropical hosta that I am overwintering in my basement. I have noticed recently that it is getting sick. I am seeing black stuff, possibly a fungus, all over stems and flowers. I also noticed a lady bug. Here are some pics. Any help would be appreciated. Leaves are a little sticky too.
That would all make sense. The leaves on the affected parts of the plants do feel somewhat sticky. I will try the sparying. Yes it is a tropical hibiscus. Thanks!
If you don't happen to have a commercial house plant spray, I have had good luck with plain old rubbing alcohol. I usually pour it on some cotton balls and wipe the stems and the leaves, but I suppose you could put it in a sprayer.
I use provado spray as this is systemic and prevents them coming back for longer. I see blackfly whitefly and maybe greenfly there, you have quite an infestation, I'll bet that ladybird was fat, but the problem with relying on ladybirds is that the aphids produce young faster than a ladybird can eat them.
Zone: This is England we don't do zones. Pick any number between 2 and 11
First take that ladybug off the plant and put her in a safe place. Pandora is right with the rubbing alcohol, we use it inside during the winter months for al all round plant care. Only we do half RA and half water, only use full strenght for the mealy bug removal. Hope that helps.
