Is this a common problem? My brother had to take care of my bonsai for a few weeks while I was away and battled this. When he got it, a few leaves were yellowing, and then after using an insecticidal soap spray the rest of the leaves fell off. Following that, new growth started to emerge that looked fine. I got back upon returning and it has continued to do very well - basically like before the bug problem. Looks great actually. Full of leaves and flowering. Today, however, I find tiny white bugs on some leaves and sticky sap all around the area where the plant resides. So I pulled a few leaves off (none are yellowing) and, for now, just sprayed the entire plant with water.
What would you suggest? I do have a commercial, organic insecticidal soap that I used all winter and spring to try and fight off aphids that were on my begonias (brought in from the beds in fall). Should I try that? I'd hate to see it lose all its leaves again so soon...can't imagine that is good for the plant. Both my brother and I are surprised it even came back after having lost all the leaves. Maybe just keep an eye on it for now? I've been pretty vigilant about checking the leaves ever since I got it back and haven't seen any until today - and it was only on a few.
Thanks for any suggestions.
UPDATE...upon further research, I think what I'm seeing are aphids. I was not around to see the mealybugs, but from what I've read they are more cottony in appearance? These are well defined small white bugs. Also, is there honeydew deposit from mealy bugs? If what I'm seeing are aphids, I think I can handle that as I did for months with the begonias. I can either concoct my homespun version of insecticidal soap or, as mentioned, I have the commercial product - which seems safe to use on just about anything.
What would you suggest? I do have a commercial, organic insecticidal soap that I used all winter and spring to try and fight off aphids that were on my begonias (brought in from the beds in fall). Should I try that? I'd hate to see it lose all its leaves again so soon...can't imagine that is good for the plant. Both my brother and I are surprised it even came back after having lost all the leaves. Maybe just keep an eye on it for now? I've been pretty vigilant about checking the leaves ever since I got it back and haven't seen any until today - and it was only on a few.
Thanks for any suggestions.
UPDATE...upon further research, I think what I'm seeing are aphids. I was not around to see the mealybugs, but from what I've read they are more cottony in appearance? These are well defined small white bugs. Also, is there honeydew deposit from mealy bugs? If what I'm seeing are aphids, I think I can handle that as I did for months with the begonias. I can either concoct my homespun version of insecticidal soap or, as mentioned, I have the commercial product - which seems safe to use on just about anything.
Last edited:
