Willow Leaf drop leafs faster than I can count.

[devenomized]

History: Purchased smaller willow leaf and larger willow leaf. My set up has been documented here, but pretty much plenty of lights set up against and large window. Larger willow got mealy bugs and I purchased Natria's Insecticidal Soap. A combination of the soap and manually removing the bugs helped. Larger tree experienced some yellow leaves but I figured it was a combination of the new environment (80+ and 45% humidity), the insecticidal treatment and perhaps my watering technique which i have not mastered. Smaller willow leaf began to show growth as well as larger willow. I watered both trees last Friday and Monday I watered again.

Issue: After watering larger willow, I sprayed tree with Natria and gave it two pumps of Miracle grow indoor plant food (foam). I did the same thing with the smaller willow except i soaked the smaller willow in water that drained out of the other trees that I have (may be not a good idea).

Problem: in less than 24 hours, the smaller willow dropped at least half the leaves and these are not even yellow. some look new/green and others were curling up while maintaining a green color. The larger lost a few leaves but nothing compared to the smaller one that does NOT have mealy bugs.


What do you think? let me know if you need pics.

 

[jk_lewis]

Lots of trees do not like insecticidal soaps. You may have used too much, too often. You may have drenched the soil with it. Why did you use it this time if you had already cleared up the mealy bugs with the earlier spraying?

These are tough trees. It is likely to survive.

But remember, soap sprays are not a universal panacea, and they are a contact insecticide. If there is no insect there to contact . . .

 

[devenomized]

Lots of trees do not like insecticidal soaps. You may have used too much, too often. You may have drenched the soil with it. Why did you use it this time if you had already cleared up the mealy bugs with the earlier spraying?

These are tough trees. It is likely to survive.

But remember, soap sprays are not a universal panacea, and they are a contact insecticide. If there is no insect there to contact . . .

I used it because the larger ficus had or still has mealy bugs. I thought it would be a preventative care to spray. It was just weird how all those leaves felt off. I'll keep an eye on it.

Thanks

 

[devenomized]

the first pics is my larger willow leaf with less mealy bugs but some yellow leaves. trying to figure out if this is because of the mealy bugs or what the hell is going on. the second one is the smaller ficus with no mealy bugs, but I did sprayed it.

 

[edprocoat]

Looks like it may be shedding some old leaves, watch for new ones now.

ed

 

[amcoffeegirl]

Do you think the lights are too hot or too close? Just a thought if the leaves are curling up? Also I think now just try and keep things consistent with temp and watering. Better to water thoroughly then let it dry out some then repeat. I've moved several of these to my home with minimal issues. I think I just got lucky and found this species loves my schedule.
By the look of your chop stick I would say overwatering. Also maybe get a different soil with better drainage this one looks like it has soil in it. You want the roots to breathe.

 

[cockroach]

My ficus microcarpa do this about twice sometimes three times a season. It soon gets replenished by a batch of new leaves and some good growth.
I noticed twice after prolonged heavy rain it happened. Mine are left outdoors year round so cannot comment on indoor growing.

 

[A Random User]

The green leaves dropping is the result of the spray.
With Tropicals the insecticide is actually more harmful to the
Tree than the bugs.
Tropicals take in a large percentage of the moisture they need to
Survive in through their leaves. So in essence you are by spraying
The leaves, theoretically spraying the roots.

The tree is dropping these leaves as a defense mechanism.
Sensing their is something wrong with them. I would not be surprised
If it drops the remainder. The spray can kill the tree, so you might not be
Out of the woods yet.

In the future and only in the worse cases, defoliate the tree first,
Then spray. Other than this, try removing as many as possible with
Removal of infected growth and a hard spray of water.

Side note, as mentioned before, you might be watering to much.
It is a very common practice for those new to tropicals to think that
Because they come from a region that rains alot, that they need a lot
Of water... just the opposite, when it rains here, it disappears just as fast.
It's the moisture in the air...

I would suggest leaving them in the soil you have, water once a week, and
If possible move or take into the bathroom, when you take showers.
To help with the lack of humidity. The tray other than catching water
Serves no purpose in aiding this.

 

[amcoffeegirl]

How is the tree doing? Any updates?