Pittosporum with White Growth: Spittlebugs Then Scale

Katlin's 1-year-old pittosporum had white, foamy, ball-like clusters for 7–8 months. Malathion didn't work. Follow-up revealed black spots on leaves, then a harder, sticky, green-centered growth.

Identification

• Initial foam: spittlebug nymphs (harmless, wipe off).
• Later hard, sticky growth: scale insects (serious).

Scale Control

• If few: prune affected twigs, discard in trash.
• If many: apply systemic insecticide—Bayer Advanced Tree & Shrub Insect Control (imidacloprid), mixed and poured at base. Read label for plant safety.

Black spots likely unrelated to foam.

Pittosporum