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What is eating my leaves and stems?

17 years ago

I have 4 hibiscus plants in my yard, 2 are huge, over 4 ft tall, I bought them this year under a foot. 2 of them look like a skeleton and looks like something is eating it almost down to the ground, first the leaves then the stems. I tried 7 dusting the plants and surrounding area, then adding more fertilizer but they still look aweful. This is all happening within the last 2-3 weeks. I know it can't be the fall weather because the others are still huge and vibrant, blooming everyday. Please help, I don't really want to dig them up and start over.

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Comment (1)

birdsnblooms
17 years ago
Intrinsic, first, a plant that is buggy shouldn't be fertilized..
What type of holes? are you finding? Are they small or large bitten foliage?
If large, then I'd think something like a rabbit or squirrel is snacking on your hib.
If small, then your hib might have an insect/s. There's many pests to check for including mites, mealy, whitefly, scale, etc.
Do you know how to check for pests? Mites build webbs, looking similar to the common spiderweb, but finer. Shake the plant to check for any white bugs flying in the air. (whitefly)
Inspect entire plant for anything that shouldn't be there.
Mealy are cottony patches. And scale remsemble armored, roundish pests. Scale is difficult spotting at an early age..But once they mature they're easy to locate. Most bugs leave a sticky residue. FEel the leaves/stems for stickiness.
BTW, are your 4 hibs the same type? Toni
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