As I was pruning and repotting a variegated ficus (benjamina) 7 tree forest
today I found many leaves folded over in half and sealed up somewhat like a
pea pod - (or as my husband described it "a hematoma in a dog's ear). I cut
those leaves off till I was blue in the face...really think they were
multiplying before my eyes. I assume this is some kind of pest that I am not
familiar with. I doused the plant with soap spray with alcohol. Now I have noticed
that other plants of the same variety have the same problem. Anyone know
what this is and what treatment I should use? Any help will be much
appreciated.
Carol in S. Florida

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You have thrips. They are tiny insects that spend part of their life cycle in
the leaf bud. By the time you see the damage the thrips have gone on to
another generation and leaf bud
I doubt the alcohol and soap will help much. A systemic is what you need and
that will probably not totally cure the problem. Part of the life cycle is in
the soil. Not in the soil of your Bonsai pot but in the soil of your yard.
They are getting worse at my place. I am trying the Bayer Advance Rose and
Shrub.
Your husband must be a vet.

In a message dated 7/24/2005 8:06:42 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
writes:

As I was pruning and repotting a variegated Ficus (benjamina) 7 tree forest

today I found many leaves folded over in half and sealed up somewhat like a
pea pod - (or as my husband described it "a hematoma in a dog's ear). I cut

those leaves off till I was blue in the face...really think they were
multiplying before my eyes. I assume this is some kind of pest that I am
not
familiar with. I doused the plant with soap spray with alcohol. Now I have
noticed
that other plants of the same variety have the same problem. Anyone know
what this is and what treatment I should use? Any help will be much
appreciated.
Carol in S. Florida


Billy on the Florida Space Coast

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Kevin Bailey++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++