Sticky substance & pests

18 years ago

I have inherited a 30 year old "calamansi" tree from my mother. The fruit is very small and round and tastes like a combination lime and lemon. It's about 4 feet tall and is usually moved indoors for the winters. However, this year I never even took it out for the spring or summer and although I've watered it, it's generally neglected.

There has been a sticky residue all over the leaves which are starting to drop, and some bugs are flying over it.

How can I save this tree? It's been in our family all these years and my mother is going to kill me if she finds out it died!

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Comments (4)

Millet
18 years ago
First, you can save the tree by giving a 30 year old citrus tree the proper care that such a tree deserves. Your tree has insects (bugs), The sticky residue is excreations from insects that are sucking the juices from the tree's leaves and or branches. Your tree has either scale (look like small round scabs), mealy bug (white), or aphids (I sure you know what an aphid looks like). Take the tree outside and wash it down using the hose with a nozzel attached. Use a semi-forceful spray. Be sure to get the top AND bottom of all leaves and branches. You can also do this in the shower, but it is usually harder, as you cannot get a forceful enough spray. You can also spray the tree with a horticultural oil such as Volk Oil or Ultra Fine Oil which you can find at most nurseries or at Home Depot. Both oils are NOT toxic. If you use the horticultural oils, be sure to follow directions and BE SURE not to over spray. - Millet
birdsnblooms
18 years ago
I agree with Millet on how to rid whatever pests you have..I'd also like to add, Spider Mites can leave a residue on plants.
First, figure out which pest your tree has. Then go from there to rid..
Only after citrus is free of pests should you think about feeding w/a good citrus or high nit fertilizer. This should be done during growing season, not if plant goes semi-dormant.
I'm not sure where you're located, but in my opinion, feeding schedules depends on your locale.

Fresh or circulating air helps keep pests at bay. Humidity is also important..and to keep the plant growing, sun is mandatory. Good luck, Toni
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Hi Renee and welcome. If not scale, it could be aphids or mealybugs. Both leave a sticky honeydew substance behind. Ants are attracted to the sugary substance. Please inspect your plant more closey, in the leaf joints, along the stems, in any unfurled leaves. If you see white fluffy looking stuff- you have mealybugs. If you see wooly looking bugs(green, black, e.t.c. t hey come in variety of colors) all clumped together, you may have aphids. I agree with Foxy that the webbing is an indication of spider mites. It sounds like you have a couple different kinds of pest invading your plant. You need to identify them first and then take immediate action to save your plant. They all will kill your plant. GH
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mulligal
Original Author
18 years ago
Thanks for your suggestions. I'm located in NJ and the tree is located by a window which is very sunny most of the day. In fact, it still bears fruit and has some flowers right now. I hope the tree survives - having a newborn this year just completely distracted me from it's proper care.
birdsnblooms
18 years ago
Mulligal, Congrats on the new addition..boy or girl?

What color are the flying bugs? White, black, or green? First, it's best to determine what type of bugs you're dealing with.
But the main thing is spraying the leaves..I know it's difficult w/a new baby, but when you get a chance, or while someone's watching the baby, hose leaves..If you don't they'll harm your plant, and other plants nearby. Toni

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Sticky substance & pests

Comments (4)

Millet

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Millet

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