Question
Our very healthy Mussaenda Plant was beautiful.  But, within 6 weeks time, it has lost all its leaves and had tiny white worm-like insects on each leaf, on the under-side.  Can we save the plant and what is this infestation??? We live in Southwest Florida.    Thank you.

Answer
Hi Suzane, I too live in Southwest Florida, and also have several Mussaenda but have never experienced any problems from insects. I don't know what type of larvae yours is invested with without seeing it, but by your description, I would spray the undersides with "Sevin", this should erradicate the larvae and any eggs on the plant itself; then I would treat the soil around the trunk with a granular insecticide such as "Triaczide"; this will kill any eggs that may be in the soil. The plant should refoliate after the insects are gone. regards Nick