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.

Happens alot to my lime. It takes too much energy developing fruit so it aborts undeveloped fruits until there is a balance.

Hello, I have a 20 yr old lemon tree that seems to be dying. It used to have healthy dark green leaves and produce a lot of big beautiful fruit. Now there is half the amount of leaves there used to be, all pale yellow and shriveled up, and the lemons are the size of key limes. An arborist believed it was getting too much water, though it was getting the same amount it always had, and suggested we stop the sprinklers and pull up the bricks around it (which we did) to let the soil air out. A gardener thought it was protesting against dirt having been buried too far up its trunk, which we removed. Another gardener thought it wasn't getting enough water, but when he watered it, the leaves did not unfold. None of this has made a difference - in fact it's worse than ever - and there don't seem to be pests or mites. It looks more horrible with each passing month, and we have no idea what else to do! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thank you... Heather Collins

Can it be tap water by any chance? I used to live on the lake and used to take water from it to water my trees, but I moved and have to use tap water. I can feel chlorine smell and taste in that water.