Question
In December I purchased a 28 yr old Fukien tea from a street vendor it has been doing very well but recently it has become infected with mealy bugs.  I first read systemic insecticides were way to go.  I spent a lot of money on a powder substance that sounds dangerous to handle and does not give directions for dilution for a small indoor bonsai.  I diluted to best guesstimate and treated tree with spraying and watering with the dilution 2x in one week and seem to have no affect.  The plant looks ok and is even blooming but the bugs are all over it now.  Everything I have read says these thing really get in the soil and since I bought it from a street vendor I don't know when it was last repotted should I include repotting as part of the process of getting rid of these pesty things.  Please help....

Answer
Hi Amanda,

These bugs can be difficult to kill. First, if it's warm enough (60+ degrees) you should should your tree outdoors so you don't infect your other house plants. Here's what i would do:

1. Move your tree outdoors. If that not possible, spray something like neem oil on your healthy trees / plant so they do not get infected.
2. Try using an over the counter pesticide / soap mix. You can get this stuff at Wallmart or Home Depot. Whatever it say on the directions, cut it in half. it's better to apply the soap several times than to damage the roots.
3. It may be necessary to repot the plant. try to remove as much dirt as possible, spray a little soap on the roots, and repot using new soil.

Have you visited Bonsai Communities like http://www.learning2bonsai.com? There are several articles on the website that you may find helpful and you can ask questions to other bonsai members.

Hope this help you a little.

Enjoy your evening,