Question
Orange Tree Pest
I have an indoor potted orange tree (about 3 feet high), and recently, the leaves have become all chewed up. I noticed a couple of leaves have a white spider-webby substance on them. I've been looking for pests and haven't been able to find anything until today. There's this white spikey shell-like thing on one of the branches. What IS this?! And how do I get rid of it!!
AnswerHi Jenny,
Thanks for the photo. The critters are Citrus Red Mites (Panonychus citri).
You can treat them with a solution of 1 part rubbing alcohol, 5 parts water and a squirt of liquid dish soap. The key to success is to spray the entire plant - all leaf and stem surfaces - until they are dripping wet. If you miss even a few of the nearly invisible mite babies, they will reproduce and multiply and come back to haunt in a few months. It is a messy project, but if you are really thorough, one treatment should be adequate.
I have written an article on indoor plant pests that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who sends a request to me at
[email protected].
Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.
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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC
