Gardenia with Webbing, Black Buds, and Leaf Drop: Spider Mites and Sooty Mold

The Symptoms

2‑year‑old gardenia in CT (Zone 6) brought inside for winter. Leaves and buds turn black, dry up. Fine silk webbing, no visible bugs. Sevin failed.

Diagnosis

• Spider mites: Tiny, 8‑legged; webbing. Sevin doesn’t control them.
• Sooty mold: Black coating on honeydew. Rubs off with wet towel.

Treatment

1. Spray insecticidal soap (not Sevin) outdoors, cover undersides.
2. Don’t overwater indoors—root rot risk.
3. Check roots: white/cream = healthy; black/mushy = rot.