Ficus Brown Spots: Likely Scale Insects

Judy's 4-foot ficus (4 years, weekly water, near window) has brown spots and large brown sections on some leaves.

Diagnosis

Scale insects. Look like tiny black/brown/gray dots on leaf undersides; scrape off with fingernail/knife. Heavy infestation causes browning and drop.

Treatment

• Light: flick each off with alcohol-soaked Q-tip.
• Heavy: spray 50/50 alcohol/water + 2 tsp dish soap per quart. Spray entire plant twice weekly 6 weeks. Consistency kills hatchlings.

Re-evaluate if no scale found.