{"id":3995,"date":"2026-06-13T10:04:03","date_gmt":"2026-06-13T10:04:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/orlandorelocationreport.com\/?p=3995"},"modified":"2026-06-13T10:04:03","modified_gmt":"2026-06-13T10:04:03","slug":"plant-doctor-ants-youre-seeing-on-your-crotons-arent-the-real-problem-take-a-closer-look","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/orlandorelocationreport.com\/?p=3995","title":{"rendered":"Plant Doctor: Ants you\u2019re seeing on your crotons aren\u2019t the real problem, take a closer look"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Q:<\/strong> When watering my container-grown crotons I notice ants in the center clusters of leaves. What are they doing and do I need a control?<\/p>\n

Read more These Hopper Balls Might Be The Only Thing You Need For Summer<\/a><\/p>\n

A:<\/strong>\u00a0Your crotons are buggy. You noticed the ants, but what\u2019s harder to see are the soft scale insects living on the leaves and stems. These insects lie flat against the plant portions and are a very light green, yellow or brown color. Actually, the ants may be doing you a favor by feeding on the excreta from the scale insects. You\u2019d probably rather not have either on the crotons, so a control is likely needed. Try to control the scale insects with a horticultural oil spray, following label instructions, available at independent garden centers. Some like to use neem oil sprays that act as an insect repellent, too. And controlling the scale may keep the ants away. If needed, a general garden insecticide made for use on ornamental plants would control the ants and scale following label instructions.<\/p>\n

Q:<\/strong> My pepper plants are green and still producing. What\u2019s needed to keep them growing all summer?<\/p>\n

A: <\/strong>Most peppers are tough plants and often last through several growing seasons. Allow the plants to continue growth in full sun. Keep the soil moist and maintain a light mulch layer. Fertilize every three to four weeks with a general garden or slow-release product labeled for vegetables. Give pepper plants support to prevent stem breakage during summer storms. With good care you could be eating peppers well into winter.<\/p>\n

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Plant Doctor: What\u2019s going on with my bougainvillea shrubs?<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n