Scaling problem

QUESTION

My son’s star jasmine is smothered in scale. What’s the best way to treat it, and could overwatering be contributing to the problem? Is there a way to prevent it? And how often should he feed the plant, and with what?

ANSWER 

White wax scale is a troublesome pest, not only because of the damage it causes directly but also because it leads to black sooty mould, a dark, powdery fungus that grows on the sticky honey dew the scale excretes. While it doesn’t infect the plant itself, sooty mould blocks sunlight from reaching the leaves, reducing photosynthesis and weakening the plant over time. It’s an insidious combination that needs a multi-step approach. Start by applying Richgro BugKilla Granules to the soil around the plant, then water it in well. This systemic treatment is absorbed through the roots, helping to tackle the problem from the inside out. Reapply every two months to keep the scale in check. Next, tackle the sooty mould. On a sunny day, douse the plant with soapy water and leave it for 2–3 hours. Follow up with a strong jet of water to dislodge fungal spores and loosen the mould. Afterward, apply a thorough spray of eco-oil – this will help control the scale you can see in your photo. Neither scale nor mould will disappear overnight, so it's important to repeat the eco-oilt reatment every three weeks. Watering isn’t the issue here. Just make sure the soil drains well. Feed the plant in spring with an organic fruit and flower fertiliser to support healthy growth and encourage good flowering through summer.