JesusFreak
Shohin
Can someone explain this to me please. 
Azalea spots?
- Thread starter JesusFreak
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JudyB
Queen of the Nuts
Looks like some sort of leaf sucking insect to me. Looks a lot like what thrips do. You can use insecticidal soap for this, and also keep the soil and area clean of debris.
JesusFreak
Shohin
I put sphagnum moss on the top of the akadama bc I read where that helps it stay moist. So that may have something to do with it
Harunobu
Chumono
This looks like pictures I have seen of lace bug, just a bit severe than these example pictures.. But I have never seen it in person myself, though.
Check the underside of the leaves.
I don't think it is a root problem.
Check the underside of the leaves.
I don't think it is a root problem.
shinmai
Chumono
It is from azalea lacewing. I have fought this battle[again] recently. I would recommend three things. First, isolate the plant, and inspect other azaleas if you have them. Second, liberally apply insecticidal soap, to the point of runoff, making particularly sure to coat the undersides of the leaves. Do it again after a two-day interval, and again a week later. Third, get some Bonide systemic insecticide powder, and apply a teaspoon or so around the base of the tree. As it gets watered into the soil, it will be taken up by the tree into the leaves. It’s a great first line of defense against subsequent re-infestation. Lacewings will generally not kill a tree in and of themselves, but can weaken it to the point where it becomes more susceptible to disease.
The conclusive indicator that it’s lacewing, by the way, are the tiny black dots on the leaves. It’s the excrement that the little bastards leave behind.
The conclusive indicator that it’s lacewing, by the way, are the tiny black dots on the leaves. It’s the excrement that the little bastards leave behind.
JesusFreak
Shohin
Yea I looked under the leaves this morning and it has little black spots. I will try all that you’ve recommended. I bought this awhile back and have been applying to any tree that shows any type of disease or infestation. Does this suffice ?
Leo in N E Illinois
The Professor
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Your 3 in One is simply Neem oil. The azalea lacewing is a leaf boring insect. Neem is topical, it will not be sufficient to kill the lacewing larva that are boring INSIDE the leaves. Read the label, I bet the label does not list azalea lacewing. This means it is not effective on azalea lacewing.
The neem oil is okay as an alternative to an insecticidal soap, but you still need to find the systemic pesticide mentioned by @shinmai - his cure is exactly what I would do.
The neem oil is okay as an alternative to an insecticidal soap, but you still need to find the systemic pesticide mentioned by @shinmai - his cure is exactly what I would do.
Harunobu
Chumono
Yeah, it says it is biological, and fungicide, insecticide, everything. Usually that means it is soap or something similar.
AJL
Chumono
Azalea lacebug - an invasive pest -see attachement for more info; http://www.diggermagazine.com/biocontrol-of-azalea-lace-bugs/
If youve just bought the plant suggest you take it back and ask for a refund and or report to your local plant health authority!
JesusFreak
Shohin
shinmai
Chumono
Let me know how it works out and if you’re able to get rid of them. One other thought....you mention having put sphagnum moss on the akadama. The preferred substrate for azaleas is kanuma, for two reasons. It is mildly acidic, which azaleas need, and is very soft. Azaleas form mats of very fine roots, and their roots can actually penetrate and grow through the kanuma particles, rather than stopping growth or breaking off. Also, sphagnum moss is not a bad idea per se—it does exactly what you describe—but if you really get into azaleas [and trust me, that’s a really slippery slope] you might want to try finding some yamagoke or mountain moss. Same moisture benefit, but also slightly acidic.
Best of luck to you.
Best of luck to you.
