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.

Thay, where is SLC? LOL..Sorry. Unless you're in CA, three terrific places to buy citrus are www.briteleaf.com and www.harricitrus.com and www.acornsprings.com If you're in CA, then try www.fourwinds.com though I believe they only sell dwarfs. A basic light can be purchased at a hardware store like Home Depot. Shop lights w/2 flourescent bulbs..either 2 Gro Lights or One cool, one warm white bulbs. Citrus or Azalea foods are best. Since these are meant to be used once every three months, you can add either Miracid or Miracle Gro in-between. South and west windows in winter are best..a summer outdoors should be considered. Watering and soil are also important. You want to water only when soil feels crumbly..too much water and it'll cause root rot. And the soil should be well-draining. Therefore, when you water, you want it to drain freely. Humidity is important..So, purchase a humidifer and mist leaves daily. Always inspect a plant for pests upon arrival. Bugs will deveour a plant like a Charlie Brown Christmas tree..LOL I guess that's about it..it sounds a lot more complicated than it really is..Once you get the hang, it's one easy task..Toni

I had a dwarf meyer lemon for several years. It did okay, but over the winter it would get sadder and sadder until it would finally lose its many of its leaves in spring. If you're from California (like me), you know lemon trees are not supposed to lose their leaves - LOL! Then eventually it would be warm enough to put it outside and, after the shock of the transition, it would green right up and grow lots of leaves. It got several lemons over the years by my pollinating the lovely-smelling flowers with a Q-Tip. Then we moved to Texas for a short time and the little tree loved the heat and humidity so much I didn't have the heart to bring it back with us to CO. :) So it was not optimal, but it did live and produce some fruit. It just wasn't always pretty. In case you think I learned my lesson, last summer I bought another dwarf citrus (a tangerine) and am trying again...LOL. It's really happy right now when it can be outside. I think the main factor is to find it as sunny a window as possible for the winter. Oh, and I've never had a problem with any fruit flies. Let us know what you decide. :) Trish

That is the very reason I feel so confined to my home until it's time to put all mine outside and hire someone or use a family member to hose them down when ever they want....I don't trust anyone watering mine for that long...I am sorry you lost it and then again you could always start a new) God, just don't let any of the workers from 4Winds see that poor thing, they might have a cry over it..I am sure it once looked spectacular!