Armored Scales Infested Meyer Lemon!! Help ME!!
GloxiniaLover
12 years ago
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GloxiniaLover
12 years agoRelated Discussions
Improved Dwarf Meyer Lemon Tree: Post-Scale Dying?
Comments (5)Matt, what did you use to rid scale? Baby shampoo or a chemical insecticide? Chemicals are dangerous. Especially if used indoors. Since you're in NY, you either sprayed inside or hauled outdoors to apply..Or did you use systemic? I once killed a Gardenia tree by using a harsh chemical, even though, the tree was outside, and I followed directions to a T. Ironically, branches blackenedd and tree died..Not from scale, but the chemical itself, since it died the day after applying insecticide. I spray citrus with Fish Emulsion, in autumn, before bringing indoors..FE prevents and kills scale on contact. If you find Fish Emulsion replusive, (it has a fishy smell that lasts about 2 days, but they now sell an odorless type) there are other oils such as Neem. Artificial light will certainly help, but in your case, I doubt low light is/was the cause of your lemon's problems. Stop fertilizing..For one thing, as you stated, light is low..Citrus go into a semi-dormancy..They need a rest period..If light is low, plants slow down, therefore, adding fertilizer can cause spindly growth. Also, when a plant is undergoing problems, disease/insects, it is advised to stop adding fertilizer. If anything, in early fall, add a slow-release, low NPK type. In spring, or when growth is spotted, start your regular feeding program. I disagree the Baby Shampoo did any damage. How much did you use, and what ratio of water? One author and tv host, Jerry Baker, recommends cleaning foliage with baby shampoo.. Did you discard the Ficus? Considering it's a bonsai, scale shouldn't be too difficult ridding. For starters, you can hand-pick, unless you're squeamish about bugs..Matt, you're talking to a 'bugophobic,' lol, yet, if I saw scale on a plant, you'd best believe I'd start plucking, though spraying is preferable..lol Prune blackened branches..they will not resort to green. Shake plant to remove dead leaves..Toss leaves in the trash, or burn..which reminds me..if you have other plants, especially neighboring, inspect each carefully..also, isolate plants with scale. Move plants to a cool,(65-68F is fine) airy, humid location..and yes, humidifers help big time..fresh air is also important. If you have a ceiling fan, run on low at least 1 hour a day..it circulates air to a degree. I also use a rotating fan. Matt, do you have a picture to post? If your citrus is managable size, after removing dead leaves, haul to sink or shower, allow water wash leaves..2-4 mins. Hose Ficus too. Matt, I'm an optimist when it comes to plants..only plants, but plants, nonetheless..Some of my plants were bought in what I coined, the 'dead cart' in stores where plants were going to be tossed..In and outdoor plants..I'd never buy an infested plant, no Sir, I'm not that optimistic..lol.. Good luck, Toni If you have any questions, ask away..Please stop fertilizing, and before adding water, check soil, make sure it's dry before giving a drink....See MoreInfested with Scales. Need Help !
Comments (12)My sister's scales are different- brown in color and pretty big too as large as dimes if I remember right. Very very hard to scrape them even with a knife off the bark. They looked like were almost part of the bark and just sooo many -all branches are infested and they have so many matured apples, persimmons, pears. They called for help but none knew what to do. They ended up cutting all the branches drastically so they were reachable and scraped off the trunks and discarded everything in the dumps....See Moresafer, scale, a new meyer lemon, and cats.
Comments (13)Leg, scale are pains in the behind..still, I'd rather deal w/them than mealy bug. Since you can't use the hose, I'd keep up using the shower. When you last showered your tree, did you find any scale on the floor? I'm curious if water will actually knock them off. One other thing, I know it's work ridding them, but be seated, set your tree in front of you, turn on the tv or radio, and start plucking. LOL..Set a piece of paper towel nearest you away fro tree and set scales on paper. Continue doing this daily/nightly. One other thing..I make my own brews for certain insects, though I don't have one for scale. One thing you can do is, using a mister, add Cayenne Pepper and ground citrus rind. Shake..Then spray away..If anything this will keep kitty's away..It will not harm them and might keep bugs at bay. It's ironic because I came up w/this concoction a few yrs ago..then while browsing through a plant catalog, I saw an ad for hot pepper insecticide..they've one for bugs and another for wildlife. Then about 2 months ago, I saw another organic fertilizer that contained citrus rind. LOL. If only I had marketed this idea when I first thought about it, I might now be loaded..Not drunk mind you, rich..lol.. One other thing you can try is spraying tree w/Fish Emuslion..Since it's an organic fertilizer it won't harm your cats. I was told to do this by a woman who owns a citrus nursery..they spray the leaves/stems..it not only works as an insecticide but a foliar feeding, too. In fact, when I spray my trees, I'm going to add the fish emulsion, citrus rind, garlic, Listerine, 2 drops dish soap, and cayenne pepper. My brew will hopefully keep bugs at bay..spray the tree well, and voila, instant bug killer. Good luck, Toni...See Moremeyer lemon tree help
Comments (9)Ok, the soil mix you have it in is very heavy, even though it is for palm and cactus it does not suit your Meyer trees needs. You can do a search here in the citrus forum for 5-1-1 mix or gritty mix and make your own soil that is much better suited to what your tree would need. Citrus tone is a good product for fertilizing, although not sure it is ideal for containerized trees. A lot of container folks on the forum use a product called dyna gro foliage pro and have great success. Also, Meyers are very sensitive to lighting condition changes so if you are just now re-introducing it to be outside for the spring and summer it will need to be done so over a 2 week period otherwise it will drop all of its leaves and grow new ones that are better suited for the change in light conditions. Hope this helps and I'm sure others will be along with much more info than I am able to provide. Evan...See Moremksmth zone 7a Tulsa Oklahoma
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12 years agomksmth zone 7a Tulsa Oklahoma
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