Dear Jessica: I have a gardenia plant that I am attempting to overwinter indoors, but it has developed a white substance on the leaves. I also noticed quite a few ants nearby. I'm not sure what this is or what I can do to save the plant. I water it regularly and have a humidifier nearby to try to mimic a more tropical environment. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
_ Kim Clarke
Dear Kim: The bumps you're seeing on leaves (and perhaps on stems, as well) are scale insects. Gardenias are notoriously susceptible to such an infestation.
