Rather, they are members of the arachnid family. Here’s what they like: Hot, dry and dusty conditions Stressed trees Insecticides (they kill mites’ predators) If possible, avoid these. Left unchecked, spider mite infestations can severely damage bonsai. Although they are too tiny so see clearly without magnification, their damage is identifiable when you know what to look for. […]
Search Results for: pine
Adelgids
Have you ever seen small white spots accumulate at the base of needles or buds on black pines? On other conifers? If so, you’ve likely seen adelgids. See the small white spots just above the bud? Adelgids are a cousin of sorts to aphids. They are also known as pine aphids or wooly conifer aphids as […]
Sooty mold
You’ve likely seen it – that dirty, cruddy stuff in your garden, on street trees, and on your bonsai. It has a name – sooty mold. Sooty mold on camellia Although it can look creepy up close, it’s not among the more harmful garden pests. Sooty mold is fungus that grows on the honeydew secreted […]
Pest of the week – aphid
Aphids are among the most common of garden pests. They’re relatively soft, squishy and destructive. There are thousands of species, and their reproductive strategies are What’s that in the shadows? Aphids! I’ve seen them approach 1cm, but most in my garden are several millimeters long. Ahpid close-up Depending on the severity of the infestation, control […]
Pest of the week – scale
Fall, in moderate climates, is a key time to look out for pests on bonsai. In colder climates, many insects are killed by cold weather. Not where I live. Within the past week I’ve found all varieties of unwanted guests in the garden. This week I’ll focus on scale. Healthy looking olive foliage What’s this – […]




