I personally don't (won't) grow gardenias inside, but have never noticed that they are a spider mite magnet outside. Whitefly, yes.

Gardenias can be sprayed prophylacticlly with Neem. (Neem would be much more useful than fish oil, which I see recommended quite a bit in this forum.) It would also be helpful to shower them in the sink occasionally so that you can give them a thorough inspection. Mike, do you have a magnifying glass? A cheap grocery store model can help you spot spider mites on the underside of leaves quite easily.

If you're worried about your gardenias, you can isolate them or treat them like a highly contagious patient. Avoid contact as much as possible with infested plants, as mites are easily spread on your hands, clothes, tools, etc. Don't forget that isopropyl alchol is a great mite killer, and can be use as a mist.

Rhizo,,,,
You are always there for me. I am going to give them a good dose of pestiscide before brought in. I guess I should keep them in the basement under a good growing light,because if even one mite appears on the these plants after all I have done, I can forget about my whole plant room right? Why take that chance.
How does neem oil mixed with a little of alchohol as a mist sound.? Or do I use just neem, and then just alchohol at times.
Yes I do have a great magnifier glass! Imagine how I would feel if all my plants are growing well with no pests, then all of a sudden I see just one just one stupid little devil, just one mite on my gardenias?
I would freak out. Maybe even throw the plant right out the window. Not ready for a big battle this year. So I have some things up my sleeve to even prevent the problem. That is why all the questions and wanting of opinions.
So I don't think I will take that chance.
I am wondering though, since you said at one point that I can grow them in very cool conditions through the winter, if that would actually alleviate ant mite problems at all? Since they only seem to spread in hot, dry, stagnet home conditions. The opposite of what my plant room will this year for the first time. I will be keeping it cool, humid, with lots of circulating air. Wish me the best of all you. The best to you all too!!! Hope you have a great winter growing season!!!
keep in touch if anything else to say...Thanks all of you

Does this mean that I can rest easy that you won't use any of that nasty ol' Isotox on your plants before bringing them inside? ;-) Just because it has dried on the plant doesn't mean that you won't be inhaling the fumes.

Cooler temperatures also increase the relative humidity, so that's another reason that your dreaded mite outbreak can be averted.

Yes!!! rest easy rhizo...Lol
I never went to buy the stuff, and thanks so much for caring...:-)
Good thing there is members like you here, or, who knows what the heck disease anything could get, not just our plants from toxins we all should know about before ever using them.
Thanks for everything!
Mike

Hey Mike,
How are you? Have you starting hauling plants in yet?
I have about 50 to go, but waiting till temps are in teh 40's..

It's true, Gardenias are prone to mites, but with proper care, a little work, you shouldn't have any fears keeping them indoors.

You mentioned, the room your citrus will be wintered will be kept cooler? Is that right? What do you consider cool?
My denias and citrus live together, but the back room is cool. The only problem, if it is a problem is temps tend to flucuate, but during winter, thankfully, on the cooler side, which actually benefits.

Mist leaves daily, and if possible, haul gardenias to the sink/shower. I add a few drops of dish soap, kneed into leaves, especially on top, then hose. They're left in the sink to air dry.
Because, like you, I fear mite infestation, every other week they get sprayed with soap, water, etc. Mike, you don't have to take my word, give it a try. You'll be amazed. Spray all plant, not only gardenias, but citrus and palms, too. And any other non-fuzzy plants you may have.
Steer clear of chemicals. Chemicals can do more damage than allowing mites to live on a plant.

For the time being, as long as temps aren't 33/4F or less, keep it/them outside. Rain water is best, but if your area isn't getting rain, let water sit in a container overnight. A little Superthrive will perk up leaves and help promote flowering.
Cold nights also encourage Gardenias to bloom.

Proper drainage is mandatory. Discard excess water if it doesn't evaporate within an hour, especially when nights are cold.

Whatever you decide to use as an insect preventative, spray thoroughly. Upper and lower leaves, stems, trunk.

Here's a photo taken of my 13-yr-old 'denia this autumn. Excuse the porch..it's a mess! reason being is, I started hauling in succulents earlier because of all the rain. The pic was taken the day plants were lugged in. Dare I say, mud was brought in..lol
The variegated plant in front is a newly purchased Gardenia. I pray it lives as long as the first, though I hear they're more difficult..sigh.
Take care and good luck, Mike...Toni

{{gwi:625373}}

Hello all,

Could someone tell me how much alcohol to mix to spray my citrus?? Also how much Neem and alcohol is mixed together. I have not used alcohol spray but would love to give it a try.

Thanks,
DL

Toni!!!!! Hi!!!!
What I hope you get this messag!
What do you mean by
"ect... In this phrase..."Because, like you, I fear mite infestation, every other week they get sprayed with soap, water, etc"
Are you talking about the garlic solution you make or just soap and water?
let me know asap because I am bringing them indoors tommorroew......Oh Boy

Toni,,,you have the nicest looking plants!!! You don't even notice the mess around them..lol
You certainly have a green thumb, and sharing your experience and wisdom is so appreciated by all....You are always willing to lend a helping hand and care for everyone here....Toni this forum would not be the same without and all the other members not to mention because i could nake a list a mile long, who care enough to help others!!!

DL, you can mix one part alcohol to three parts water or even stronger. It's great for mites, and soft bodied critters such as mealybugs and aphids.

Follow the instructions on your particular brand of neem for proper dilution rate with water. I've never mixed neem with alcohol, so I wouldn't venture a guess with that mixture. The more things a person mixes together in a home remedy, the bigger the chance of damaging the plant.

Mike, (blush, blush) lol..but thanks.

I've been using this 'organic' mix several years without damage to any plant. On the contrary...since, very few if any pests attact plants. Toni