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Pest Identification, how to heal my plumeria?

8 years ago

I'm in central Florida. Lovely, tropical conditions for plumeria. Started this as a cutting earlier this year. I expected to wait a couple of years for it to bloom, but it did so well and it bloomed about a month ago!

The blooms are now gone and the plant is looking weak. Several leaves have shed, and it seems early for it to be going dormant. Plus I am seeing small black bugs all over it! I've tried to research different common pests but I can't identify them. I've attached some pictures. They look like ants or possibly some kind of black aphid?

Additionally, the leaves are turning up with brown spots. Is this rust disease? Another Photo

How can I heal my plumeria and protect it from this happening again? Please help my now sad plumeria :(

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Comments (3)

edzone9
8 years ago
Can tell if its Rust , I removed all the Rust effected leaves off all my plumeria Then sprayed it with Neem Oil Late after noon, We been having lots of rain lately , The neem oil seem to work will for me, you might have mites , Don't know for sure but the experts will chime in soon,

she will recover,,..

Ed
popcapcrazy thanked edzone9
Loveplants2 8b Virginia Beach, Virginia
8 years ago
Your tree looks like it might be suffering from a nutrient deficiency .. Have you given it any fertilizer with nutrients like Ca and Mg?

Looks like it needs water as well. Have you checked the moisture level? I would give it a good watering . It would also help if you stake up your tree.

The ants look like they are looking for the sweet secretion left behind from other pests. I wouldn't worry about the black ants, they might be natures way of helping you battle what insects that are on your tree.

Can you gently turn the leaf over and look under those leaves that have the brown spots? Looks like orange rust might be on those leaves. You will see tiny dots of orange. If you do remove those leaves, gently cut the leaves and place in a plastic bag, seal and toss into the trash. The spores will be airborne when gently touched. I personally expect it here in Virginia since we have high humidity and the warm temps. It usually starts around this time of the year and I know others in Florida have this as well. I try and remove effected leaves, but its hard to keep up with my trees.

like Ed mentioned. Neem oil works great as well as other types of fungicides I like Bayer 3 & 1. It will help with Orange Rust, Spider Mites, Scale, Mealy bugs etc. I just bought two bottles that attach to the hose and I plan to spray in the late evening tomorrow. Whenever you do treat. Keep it from direct sunlight. That's why we use it in the evening or on a cloudy day to prevent it from burning your leaves, especially using Neem oil.

Like ed, I think your tree will be fine.. Give it a good watering along with some nutrients and a good bath !! ;-)

Not an expert here, but thought I would try and help..

have a great night!!!

laura
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PRO
the_first_kms2
8 years ago
I second the observations. I have used both Neem and 3 in 1 interchangeably. Not sure what those black things could be but I would use a garden hose and spray everything off to remove any bugs. Water it well then later treat with 3 in 1 or Neem like Laura said.

In a few days once its better hydrated you could fertilize. Almost anything from the box stores would work just fine or whatever you have handy for now.
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