I have two Hibiscus that are dying. The leaves are shriveling. How do I treat this problem?

Question

The new growth on the plants are producing leaves that are green but extremely shriveled almost puckered. They are still green, but the growth is stunted. There appears to be a white fungus or some kind of tiny white mite on the plant that is the sickest. The companion plant is now showing the same signs of illness. I have treated with Bayer multi-purpose insecticide now twice. The third time, I pruned back the plant to remove the stunted growth and create more room for the poison to coat the stems. I also sprayed the soil and grass around the base of the plant...nothing is working. I am afraid I am going to lose these precious shrubs that frame my front porch and give my house its curb appeal. I live in New Orleans, LA. Does anyone know what is causing this and can you suggest an effective way to treat the problem?

Answer 1

Common to Hibiscus is a virus which is vectored (carried by) a whitefly pest.  Viruses usually are much worse than a fungus or diseases as they are rarely treatable.  Viruses generally don't kill the plant over a few weeks (as a disease or fungus can do), rather, it becomes a long, painful decline for the plant (years).  

So, when you decide to replace this plant, ask your nursery (specialist) about newer varieties (hybrids) that happen to engineered as virus-free.

Whiteflies alone can cause issues with Hibiscus and can be controlled through non-toxic treatments.

Good Luck