Pretty little nameless orphan $10 from nearby nursery -- supposed to have a pretty red spray of flowers

Likes the sun but what really excites is the growing availability of TREE BRANCHES to hang on

I've been a little surprised with some black soot that's appeared on the Sea Grape. I had to scrub a few leafs off.  Also, aphids (some sort of sucker) LOVE the new born leaves.

The gardenia was absolutely overcome with soot 4 or so weeks ago. I cut back severely trying to clear all signs of soot. A month or so later, she is a ball of shiny green leaves. 

Soot is tricky. It can be washed off though that is a pain in the ass. The leaves will survive if cleaned. Left too long, it will destroy the plant. Probably because photosynthesis becomes impossible? This is one of my famous S.W.A.G.'s (scientific wild ass guesses). Same with the suckers. If sprayed with a little soap, new Sea Grape leaves mature - though sometimes with some puckering. Actually, the Sea Grape is pretty scrappy and can outgrow the suckers. Other types of shrubs on the terrace, e.g., the croton, gardenia need to have the insects removed.. systemic anti pest works well.