Thanks. Could you clarify what you mean "with mine if they are open air" -- should I move the plant outside for spraying with Neem oil? The plant is in my dining room, so maybe it's dangerous to spray inside. On the other hand, I'm concerned that if I move it outside, the whiteflies could infect my outside garden plants. (Though maybe they'd meet their natural enemies there?)

If I need something stronger, what you would recommend? The article below, in what seems like a non-commercial web site, suggests a systemic insecticide called Bayer Tree & Shrub. That wouldn't be my first choice, but if the Neem doesn't work... Click for article

Thanks.

I have many hibiscus in my patio - open and outside. I also have the seedlings in an enclosed greenhouse - i found that using the neem oil on the ones open to the environment in weekly applications brought the issue down to a manageable level, but not so for the plants i have in the closed greehouse. this is a good place to look at treatments for hibiscus issues: http://www.hiddenvalleyhibiscus.com/care/whiteflies.htm

i have used bayer -it does work - but I am trying not to use it so much...we have lots of hummingbirds around.

Thanks, Merkity. How would it affect the plant if I brought it outside in its pot for a month or two (or the whole summer) while I spray and monitor, then bring it back in late summer or fall? I'm near Boston.

they do fine indoors - just have to make sure you have bright light - and you will need to monitor and spray the plant - i find that the white flies multiply faster indoors due to lack of predators... now about putting outside in the fall - these are tropical...they won't tolerate more than a light freeze. mine will survive into the mid 30's - but not below freezing....

It's in my dining room now. If I put it outside for spraying, I wonder which will be more true:

(1) the whiteflies may have natural predators outdoors so it'll be a good idea to put it outside

(2) I run the risk of spreading the whiteflies to my outdoor plants so it'll be a bad idea to put it outside

if its indoors - i would recommend a systemic - that way it will be protected for longer..

I don't mind bringing it outside and using Neem oil if that wouldn't risk spreading the whitefly problem outside.

it will spread it a little bit - you will need to spray all the plants in that area...or put it by itself somewhere - just not in direct sun if its been inside....