Ultimate Guide to Common Bonsai Pests and Diseases

What are bonsai pests and diseases, and how to treat them?

Bonsai trees are susceptible to a variety of bonsai pests and diseases. The most common include aphids, scale insects, spider mites, whiteflies, mealybugs, root rot, and powdery mildew.

It’s essential to check your tree regularly for signs of pests or disease. If you notice anything abnormal, treat the problem right away.

Aphids

Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can cause severe damage to bonsai trees. They can be challenging to see, as they are tiny and often hidden between the leaves. If you notice your tree is wilting or the leaves are turning yellow, you likely have an aphid infestation. To treat aphids, use a garden hose to spray them off the leaves, then treat them with insecticidal soap.

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Scale Insects

Scale insects are tiny, sap-sucking insects that can cause severe damage to bonsai trees. They are easy to spot, as they look like small bumps on the branches or leaves. If you notice scale insects on your tree, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them. Then, treat with insecticidal soap.

Spider Mites

Spider mites are tiny spider-like pests that can cause severe damage to bonsai trees. They are challenging to see, as they are small and often hidden between the leaves. If you notice your tree is wilting or the leaves are turning yellow, you likely have a spider mite infestation. To treat spider mites, use a garden hose to spray them off the leaves, then treat them with insecticidal soap.

Whiteflies

Whiteflies are small, sap-sucking insects that can cause severe damage to bonsai trees. They are easy to spot, as they look like tiny white moths flying around the leaves. If you notice whiteflies on your tree, use a garden hose to spray them off the leaves, then treat them with insecticidal soap.

Mealybugs

Mealybugs are tiny, sap-sucking insects that can cause severe damage to bonsai trees. They are easy to spot, as they look like tiny white insects covered in a waxy substance. If you notice mealybugs on your tree, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them. Then, treat with insecticidal soap.

Caterpillars

Caterpillars are small, and green insects that can cause severe damage to bonsai trees. They are easy to spot, as they often hide in the leaves. If you notice caterpillars on your tree, use a garden hose to spray them off the leaves, then treat them with insecticidal soap.

Root Rot

Root rot is a severe problem that can kill bonsai trees. It’s caused by a fungus that attacks the roots, causing them to rot. If you notice your tree is wilting or the leaves are turning yellow, you likely have root rot. Remove the tree from the pot and rinse the roots with clean water to treat root rot. Then, replant in fresh bonsai soil and water well.

Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew is a fungus that can cause severe damage to bonsai trees. It’s easy to spot, as it looks like a white powder on the leaves and stems. If you notice powdery mildew on your tree, treat it with a fungicide.

Bacterial Leaf Scorch

Bacterial leaf scorch is a severe disease that can kill bonsai trees. It’s caused by bacteria that attack the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and wilt. If you notice your tree is wilting or the leaves turn yellow, you likely have bacterial leaf scorch.

To treat bacterial leaf scorch, remove the tree from the pot and rinse the leaves with clean water. Then, treated with antibiotics. Bonsai antibiotics are available from bonsai nurseries.

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Fungal Leaf Spot

Fungal leaf spot is a type of fungus that can cause severe damage to bonsai trees. It’s easy to spot, as it looks like tiny brown spots on the leaves. If you notice a fungal leaf spot on your tree, treat it with a fungicide.

Bacterial Blight

Bacterial blight is a severe disease that can kill bonsai trees. It’s caused by bacteria that attack the leaves, causing them to turn brown and wilt.

If you notice your tree is wilting or the leaves are turning brown, you likely have bacterial blight. Remove the tree from the pot and rinse the leaves with clean water to treat bacterial blight. Then, treated with antibiotics. Bonsai antibiotics are available from bonsai nurseries.

Pests and diseases can be a severe problem for bonsai trees. If you notice any pests or diseases on your tree, it’s essential to treat them immediately.