Question
I have a hibiscus (inside variety) which looks like it has been peppered with a pepper shaker.  I tried using the insecticide soaps for bugs and another for fungus.  I sprayed it with the hose and it was clean for a short while then the pepper like "stuff" returned.  What is it and how do I treat it? Thanks for your help

Answer
Pat:
See if these black specks wipe off with a wet paper towel or wet finger.  If so, it may be sooty mold- a fungus that results from insects.  The solution-- is controlling the insect. You may need to consider another insecticide.  You can carry 1-3 leaves to your local garden center/or nursery to see if they can ID the insect and suggest the best insecticide.  If you want to in the meantime, you can send me a closeup photo of a leaf as well and I will take a look.

Steve