John, the pesticide mentioned in that very good informational site is Confidor, the brand name one of the many insecticides with Imidicloprid as the active ingredient. It is used as a soil drench because it is systemic. It's much more efficient to have a plant absorb this particular chemical into its system to control pests than to spray over the top. Imidicloprid can be found in a host of pesticides for the systemic control of aphids, mealybugs, whitefly, and scale. Its use, by the way, is well known to increase the population of spider mites and thrips. And before anyone asks...Imidicloprid is one of the very few systemics listed for use on edible crops, including citrus. It's not something that should be used unless you understand the timing of such applications so that the fruit or vegetable can be eaten safely. Again, systemics enter the system of plants, making the sap and other juices toxic to those that might ingest it. Wizzard, an untended scale infestation can kill plants. How quickly that can happen depends upon the species of scale, the species of plant, and the overall vigor of the plant. You chose the best option for your cotoneaster, a horticultural oil. A light spray can really help in getting these pests under control. Scale insects won't be completely killed with one application, but an occasional misting will do the trick. Horticultural oils are something that every plant grower should have on hand, including those who try to grow organically. With oils, it's important to avoid spraying in very warm or very cold temperatures. Gloxinia, horticultural oil is your best bet. Read and follow the directions. Also, I am curious about your kiwi. When kiwi are purchased from a bonafide nursery, it will be clearly labeled as a male OR a female plant. What was the name of the kiwi you purchased? They can be grown in a container for the first year (5 gallon) but won't take kindly to that for much longer than that, I don't think. Don't really know from first hand experience.

Franz, when was the last time you sent in some soil tests for accurate readings? Also, I'd take some of those leaves in to your local extension office for examination and maybe even tissue analysis. Though I suggest that you wait until you have the results of your soil tests, iron nails won't give you the results you wish. Iron nails and iron shavings break down into solids that aren't soluble or absorbable by plants. Your soil tests may even determine that your soils don't need iron at all, but a change in pH so that existing iron can be released into the soil solution and made available for uptake. Or, if the pH seems to be borderline, a good citrus fertilizer will have the necessary chelated iron and other minor elements required for good health. If you have a very high population of ants in this location, you ought to use an ant bait to control their numbers, once and for all. Amdro is recommended for use around citrus, I believe. There are also some 'organic' ant baits that do a good job, too. Look for the active ingredient SPINOSAD on the label of those baits. Do you have scale insects? You mention something white and powdery, and I don't think of aphids with that description. ;-)

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

Yes i have a feeling it is sun burn as well, because the side facing the sun (through the window) is green, but the side that was away, the branches have turned yellow and so have the leaves. How can i solve this sun burn problem ?? Is it going to go away ? And will it affect my tree in the long run ?