Constant vigilance!

sparklemotion

Shohin
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That $5 variegated hedera from the grocery store seems a lot less charming now that I found a bunch these on my key lime.
IMG_20180203_220836.jpg


No damage yet from what I can tell, but I am out of insecticidal soap.
 

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Bonsai Nut

Nuttier than your average Nut
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Key lime in Minnesota? I assume that means indoor trees?

I had more problems with pests on my INDOOR trees in Chicago than I have on my OUTDOOR trees in California. I think it may be due to the fact that when you bring trees indoors, whatever natural balances that existed are gone - and the pests can multiply unchecked. Soap is good. Neem oil is good. Ladybugs... not so good in the house :)
 

sorce

Nonsense Rascal
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Ladybugs... not so good in the house

Rubbish! Lol!

Sure I'd be happier living under an old upturned oak stump with the badgers....

But I know you can keep a little ecosystem healthy and clean indoors, iffin with a little a little more care than I give!

What stupid saying can we come with to remember to...ALWAYS CHECK FOR BUGS BEFORE WE INTRODUCE THEM!?

I still do it all the time....just been getting lucky keeping them under control enough so they don't jump from the good host.

Something bout a hose blast....quick fix.

Sorce
 

sparklemotion

Shohin
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Key lime in Minnesota? I assume that means indoor trees?

I had more problems with pests on my INDOOR trees in Chicago than I have on my OUTDOOR trees in California. I think it may be due to the fact that when you bring trees indoors, whatever natural balances that existed are gone - and the pests can multiply unchecked. Soap is good. Neem oil is good. Ladybugs... not so good in the house :)

Yep, indoor.

I was hypervigilant when I brought the tropicals in in the fall (multiple 3-in-1 applications, neem oil). I only had to fight off the fungus gnats.

I was also feeling pretty smug about not having aphids in the garden last summer, which is part of how I am so sure that they came in on the new arrivals.
 

GrimLore

Bonsai Nut alumnus... we miss you
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We have quite a few plants that Summer outside. They stay out colder then most allow before being brought inside. I treat every single plant with an anti-fungal, 3 in 1 Granular, and sometimes Seven over a two day period before bringing them in. Rare we introduce new plants in the Cold months but if so they get a cleanup and those treatments before going into the plant room.

So far, no bug problems but an occasional fungal problem because I cannot lower the Humidity under 50 percent for the Tortoise. Easily handled though... A big problem this year was an electric heater that cooked the room for a couple of days when I had the flu - what a mess, but oh well.

That room gets scrubbed and treated Spring and Fall too.

With new plants though I use the same "isolation" methods I do all year and I am CERTAIN it is worth it.

Grimmy
 
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