Mondo Grass Yellowing: Pythium Root Rot in Louisiana

Summer-Planted Mondo Grass Declining Mondo grass planted early summer, grew well, now yellowing and disappearing in Louisiana. Diagnosis: Pythium Root Rot Most serious disease, caused by Pythium splendens. Affects dwarf

Bronze Orange Bugs on Lemon: Organic Spray Recipes and Neem Oil Guide

Large Lemon Tree in Sydney with Sap-Suckers Owner wants homemade spray to deter/kill bronze orange bugs. Asks about petrol, soapy water, vegetable oil, garlic oil, and neem oil details. Homemade Garlic Oil Spray Finely

Improved Meyer Lemon Leaf Drop: Water and Pest Management

Gift Tree Losing Leaves, Flowers, and Fruit Improved Meyer lemon received in September, steadily losing leaves. Some leaves sticky, yellowing, with dark green dots. Tiny fruit dropping. Primary Issue: Underwatering Cont

Citrus Greasy Spot on Grapefruit: Copper Fungicide Timing

White Fungus on Unripe Citrus Fruit Tangelo and grapefruit trees in Southern California show white fungus on fruit tops, fruit dying, ants on infected fruit, and dieback with dry brittle branches. Spreading to orange tre

Ivy Spider Mite Infestation: Identification and Soapy Water Treatment

Webbing, Spots, and Tiny Bugs on Ivy Ivy developed tiny brown/orange spots, wilting lower leaves, then white webby substance on soil and leaf undersides with tiny brown bugs. Plant declined after bathroom isolation (low

Citrus Greasy Spot Treatment and Long-Term Care

Orange Tree Diagnosed with Greasy Spot Photos confirm greasy spot fungal disease on citrus. Owner sourced copper fungicide online. Fruit Safety & Recovery Plan Fruit Edibility: Yes, fruit can be eaten once ripe after c

Leylandii Hedge Browning in South Africa: Cypress Aphid or Water Stress?

Five-Year-Old Hedge Declining Leylandii hedge (1.5m apart, 5m tall) in Cape Town shows browning from bottom up on nearly all trees, 25% dead growth. Pool backwash pipe with 8mm holes runs along hedge; recently changed po

Dying Poplar Trees: Cytospora Canker Diagnosis and Management

Poplar Decline Over Four Years Ten poplars reduced to eight; trunks turn orange, leaves brown, trees die without leaf drop. Owner in unknown location, moved in four years ago. Diagnosis: Cytospora Canker Caused by fungu

Dwarf Lemon Tree Leaf Curl: Leaf Miner Management in Canada

Chronic Leaf Deformation on Indoor Citrus A dwarf lemon tree in Canada has had deformed, curled new growth for over a year. Owner worries about winter survival. Cause: Citrus Leaf Miner The curling is caused by leaf min

Pruning Bradford Pear for Rounded Shape

Shaping a Bradford Pear Tree Bradford pears are prone to splitting, but if you have them, you can prune for a more rounded, ball-like form. Pruning Technique Perform a 25–30% crown reduction. Lower the top and shape th

Giant Bamboo Sprout Rot: Seeking Expert Advice

Bamboo Culms Rotting at 8 Feet New giant bamboo sprouts grow to about 8 feet, then the tops rot, turn black, and stop growing. Possible Fusarium moniliforme, but no treatment found. Expert Referral This is an unusual pr

Reviving a Declining Schefflera: Light, Water, Humidity, and Mite Control

Schefflera Losing Leaves After Repotting A three-foot schefflera (three plants in one pot) lost 50% of its leaves over five months. Leaves turn dark brown from tip upward. Repotted twice; roots never expanded beyond orig

Dwarf Citrus in Containers: Yellowing, Curling Leaves in Phoenix Heat

Container Citrus Stress in Arizona Two dwarf lemon and lime trees in large pots show yellowing, leaf drop, curling leaves, and decay spots. Watered twice weekly in Phoenix spring 2008. Diagnosis & Solutions Leaf Drop P

Citrus Fruit Damage: Fruit Rats vs. Whiteflies

Holes in Oranges and Grapefruit Fruit has pencil-sized holes with interior eaten out. White flying insects were present but eliminated with Sevin spray. Identifying the Culprits Fruit Rats: They bore into fruit (often

Soft Scale on Gardenia: Identification and Systemic Control

Strange Growths on Gardenia Stems White, bubble-like growths with a putty consistency appear on one of three gardenia plants. Inside is a red, pudding-like substance. Diagnosis: Soft Scale Insects These are soft scale i

Meyer Lemon Fruit Problems: Discoloration, Rot Smell, and Rust Mites

Symptoms on Young Meyer Lemon Tree A two-year-old Meyer lemon has healthy dark green foliage but fruit develops brown discoloration as it ripens, smells like rot, yet looks normal inside. The skin texture is normal but t

Controlling Scale on Hollyberry Tree with Systemic Insecticide

Persistent Scale Problem in Novato, CA A hollyberry tree has been treated three times (2007–2008) with a trunk-injected systemic by a pest control company. The owner sees improvement but fears recurrence and wants to kno

Bay Leaf Plant Leaf Spots: Identifying and Managing Shot Hole Disease

Symptoms on Bay Laurel in Zambia A bay leaf plant in Zambia shows small brown spots on older leaves, with lighter brown edges. The plant is exotic to the region, making identification challenging. Likely Cause: Shot Hol

Ficus Hedge Troubles: Leaf Drop, Brown Patches, and Whitefly Solutions

Understanding Ficus Hedge Decline A ficus hedge in Tampa is showing concerning symptoms: leaves are dropping from the lower levels, some have brown patches, and the top remains green and healthy. The issue appears locali

Blue Holly Aphids and Sooty Mold: Systemic Insecticide Best

Blue Boy/Girl holly hedge has mold on berries/leaves and aphids underneath. Expert: aphids suck sap, secrete honeydew → sooty mold. Two options: 1) Systemic insecticide spray covering both leaf sides (repeat needed). 2)