Question
We have 2 pointsetta plants we planted outside for the summer. When we brought them in we noticed they have thies little white flying bugs all over. HELP! Our plants have tripled in size and really would like to keep them.

Answer
Hi Melinda,

This is a common problem with houseplants that are moved outside in the warmer months. Those bugs, not surprisingly, are called whiteflies and Poinsettias and Hibiscus are two of their favorite hosts.

I suggest that you start by taking your plants outside on a day when it is not too cold and direct a hose spray at all of the foliage, especially the underside of the leaves. This will knock most of the whitefies loose. Then, return the plants back inside before the whiteflies have a chance to resettle on the plants.

Next, spray all of the stems and leaves with a solution of soapy water, using liquid dish soap. Be sure to cover all surfaces until they are dripping wet. This should kill any remaining larvae that weren't dislodged knocked by the hose spray.

If you are really thorough, that should solve the problem. If not, you will need to respray with soapy water at the first sign of their return.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC