I think you might have aphids (watch out for ants who are attracted by them!) and the best (and safest) thing you can do is find some Neem oil at a nursery, either by its own name, or as the major ingredient in a spray made for roses. Soap and water sprays aren't as effective on aphids as they are on spider mites and not always received as well by the plant. Good luck.

Not sure exactly, but the trunk and the spiky needles would seem to indicate a Juniper. Regardless, this tree should not be kept indoors. However, without knowing where you live - specifically, how cold it is in your area - we can't advise you where you should keep the tree. Hopefully someone with a more expert eye will drop in. Josh

Catspa, I just wanted to say how lucky you are that Annies is close enough to drive to for you. I'm jealous. Not only do you get to see all the plants and choose your own, but the price difference!! I ordered my Rooguchi for $8.95, then on top of that is shipping and tax. They have so many drought tolerant plants that I don't see anywhere else. I have ordered many plants from Annies over the years, including 3 Felicia roses. I'm planning to add the clematis "Polish Spirit" to my Felicia rose, sometime (out of stock now, so I only got Rooguchi). John, I have grown Piilu in the past and loved it too. I wish I had dug it up and moved it with me. Someday I hope to take a vacation in that area (by car), starting with an empty car and returning with a load of plants. I mostly focus on roses, but since I like to make arrangements, I'm always on the lookout for plants that make good cut flowers. Lux, I also really like my Franziska Marie clematis. Very full, deep purple blooms on a small plant. Lisa

the cones are definitive in my book .. here is platycladus: https://duckduckgo.com/?q=Platycladus+orientalis+cones&t=ffcm&iax=images&ia=images and here.. the majority are thuja with..imo ... too many platycladus throw in.. to confuse : https://duckduckgo.com/?q=Thuja+occidentalis+cones&t=ffcm&iax=images&ia=images when i first started in conifers... i pretty sure the nomenclature police were arguing about all this ... and most of the platycladus plants were mislabeled.. especially at big box ... ken ps: if you take clippings .. and put them in a metal coffee can ... or disposable pot ... and seep them like you might do tea/potpourri .... it will fragrance the whole house ... if you dont forget and boil all the water away and burn your house down ...