Question
Hello,
  I was wondering if you could offer any help on getting rid of some aphids on a punica granatum nana bonsai that I have. I have tried removing them by hand but it doesn`t work; is there a systemic you could recommend that would not harm the plant? Thanks. -Ryan

Answer
If the tree is not too large and it is kept mostly indoors I would suggest using Safer's insecticidal soap.  Apply according to the instructions on the bottle.  You could also make up a solution of Green dish-washing soap and water at about 10 to 1 ratio 10 being the water and spray that on.  However Safer's is pretty safe and effective.  You may have to reapply the treatment in five days.  If you do not the eggs that have been layed will hatch and the intire problem will repeat.  If it is your deiser to use a systemic insecticied Orthene is pretty good but it is much more toxic and being systemic will make the plant poisonous for several weeks.  If you have children or pets that are libal to take a bite out of your tree for what ever reason they may be at risk.

Vance Wood.