Spider Mites

Response: Yeah, I fell for it at an art fest.

I bought a "Japanese Tea Tree" with beautiful little white blooms all over it. It appeared very healthy with tiny dark-green shiny leaves. The guy gave me general care advice. "Keep moist, at least six hours of sunlight, moderate temperature". My tree is dying from what appears to be spider mites. I take the tree outside every day and place it in the sun (as long as the weather is 50 or above-I live in NW Florida). I have kept it sightly moist and changed the soil to Miracle Grow mix without disturbing the root ball, which was tight.

I have begun giving it Noni juice in water that has been sitting out at least 24 hours. The Noni seems to be helping, but the insects are hanging on despite the chemicals I have used. (Bought it at a nursery).

What should I be using to kill these insects that leave webs (strings) from branch to branch and deposit tiny white residues on the leaves before they turn nearly black and fall off?

Sandy

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Your description certainly sounds like a spider mite infestation. While this is the first we've heard of Noni Juice being used as a treatment for bonsai pests, we're always open to new ideas.

One has to wonder though if the Noni isn't as good for spider mites as it is for people and bonsai? In general, bonsai pests can be more of a problem on indoor trees where ventilation and natural controls are limited.

While Noni may have unsung merits, It's hard to beat a spray of malathion for pure effectiveness. It may take up to two weeks to achieve results with any treatment, and be careful to water properly.

Don't dring the water

Regards,

Matt

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I agree, You may be unwittingly creating a type of super spider mites, NONI MITES if you will.

Try mixing a teaspoon of standard dishwashing liquid in a quart of water and spray the leaves [ front and back ] and the trunk and branches every 2-3 days. If that doesn't get rid of them move on to the malathion.

Tony

Bonsainut

I saw those on Star Trek they are called Nanites. Be afraid very afraid...

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Keep growing,---'Nut



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