My indoor potted umbrella has developed black specks hanging from its stems and leaves. I haven't actually seen anything move, but I suspect an unwanted pest. I have tried repeated soapy washes but doesn't seem to rid the plant of them. I also have an indoor gardenia with suspected spider mites (fine, white cobwebs) that I haven't rid of with soapy washes either. Could the two be related? The umbrella doesn't have cobwebs and the gardenia not black specks. What can I try that is organic and safe to use around small pets?

Hello Cricket,
Welcome to The Garden Helper's Forum!
We are very glad you found us!!!

I'm not too sure about your answer but I wanted to let you know that I am going to move your post, just so you know and put it into the House Plant Section....
A few of the gardeners will come along and see if they can help you in a bit! We have several gardeners that are strictly house plant gardener's and they'll be better to help you!!!!!!

There's alot of Very Nice People here and all nice to talk to!
There's a little bit of everyone here, from the Master Gardener to The Brand New Gardener and everything in between.!!!

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Welcome Again!

Weezie

P.S. We also have alot of Canadian gardener's here as well!!! So, so Hello when you see them!

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Weezie

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Thanks for responding, Will. Unfortunately, I'm unable to get a good close-up photo...the tiny,round, black specks have now turned into long (approx 1/16"), narrow brown, raised spots on the underside of the leaves, with a dusty colored gray/white powder on the tops of the leaves, and in the areas with the greatest concentration,especially the stems, resemble fuzz, as if no one has dusted for years! I described the black specks as "hanging" because they didn't appear tight to the surface they were clinging to. I see no evidence of webs. Any suggestions are appreciated!

Thanks for the tips...it could be scale but the raised spots are considerable smaller than 1/4". I thought I had rid the plant of most of them by repeated soapy washings and pruning the most infected brances, but in the past couple of weeks they are returning. If they are scale, any suggestions how to remove them without using pesticides? I have a small dog and cat and also wish to be environmentally friendly! I have heard a rumor that garlic washes can rid a plant of insects but would like that confirmed before trying as I wouldn't want to inadvertently harm the plant.