Loki

Hello all,

Just found this site - looks great and very helpful, will certainly be a regular visitor.

Anyway, as my fist "contribution" to the site, I throw a plea for help to everyone.

Firstly, a little background....

A friend's husband received a ficus bonsai as a present about, oh, maybe 8-10 mths ago. From rim of pot, it was about 2+ feet high. About 6-8 weeks ago, my friend called to say that the tree was looking really ill, she didn't really know how to look after it and rather than let it die, would I take it in and do what I could? Naturally I said yes.

When I collected it, it was obviously underwatered, and in a very sad state. I assumed that was the reason that several branches had died. The leaves also looked a little strange, but I figured I'd try watering it heaps first and see if that made any difference.

Unfortunately, regular watering did not seem to stop the slow death. Then - just today - I noticed what seems like "sawdust" around the roots at the back of the tree. On closer inspection, I noticed several holes into two roots in particular. When I poked these roots, they collapsed - they are eaten out from the inside. It resembles white ant damage (if that's a common term... sorry, I'm Australian).

Anyway, as I am actually living in South Korea at the moment, and might not be able to convey accurately my problem to the nursery, I was wondering if anyone can indentify, from this simple explanation, what pest it might be and what (if any) measures I can take to save the tree? If I know a certain chemical's name, I might be able to translate and find it in a shop, but I can just see me stumbling through trying to explain this in Korean, to some no doubt very-well-meaning, Korean.

Also.... I have other trees nearby, although not touching... how far apart should I "quarantine" this infected tree?

I am kicking myself for not picking this up earlier - the leaf irregularities should have told me it was more than just underwatering... I hope I am not too late....


Oh, and I have photos, but am not sure how or even if I can link/post them here... will do some reading of FAQs now...

Any and all advice sincerely appreciated!!!! (Please?!?!)

Cheers!

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