Gardenia Leaf Curl and Powder After Insecticide Spray

Gardenia brought indoors, sprayed with insecticide, washed leaves. Now new leaves curl, misshapen, with powdery residue. Likely aphids (cause curl + honeydew powder) or spray phytotoxicity.

Diagnosis

• Aphids: check leaf undersides; ants may be present.
• Spray damage: some insecticides burn tender new growth.

Action

• Inspect for aphids; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil if found.
• If spray damage: stop spraying, provide optimal care, new growth should normalize.
• "Atomic Grow" mentioned; verify independently.