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Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 20/08/2008 15:49:24
Posts: 5,
Visits: 42
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| I was out looking at my Willow leaf Ficus today and I noticed that the trunk had turned a dark color, almost black. When I moved the tree I noticed tons of tiny black bugs crawling around on the tree. Can someone give me an idea of what it might be and what I should do? I'll try and get a picture later.
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SENSEI?
Group: Administrators
Last Login: Today @ 13:02:20
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| Youi've been quiet lately buddy. Hope you're well. First line of attack for the infestation is the old soapy water spray. This can be repeated as necessary to remove the insects. We'll consider something else if it isn't immediately successful but I think it will be. The black trunk may not be as easy. I'm a bit concerned about that. Press the area with your fingers and tell us if it is spongey.
My name is Don and I'm a bonsaiholic.
My imaginary friend Givitago takes over when I'm not sure of myself in print. He's not a complete fool - several bits are missing.
This message has been created using 100% recycled electrons
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Junior Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 03/01/2010 03:12:59
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Does sounds a bit like rot doesn't it?
If you choose not to decide you still have made a choice-Rush
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Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 20/08/2008 15:49:24
Posts: 5,
Visits: 42
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School and travel have taken a lot of my time Stymie. All that I've really been doing in the ways of bonsai is just taken care of mine.
The area on the tree that is black is not soft. It feels exactly the same as the rest of the tree. Also it's only that color on the side that gets the most sun. Could it be some sort of tan?
As for the soapy water do I just water the tree with soapy water like I would if I was watering it with normal water?
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SENSEI?
Group: Administrators
Last Login: Today @ 13:02:20
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| No buddy. The idea is to spray the whole tree including the undersides of the foliage. This is to remove the insects. Any of it that finds its way onto the soil surface will do no harm however. It is good news that the trunk has no spongey parts. Presumeably the dark area doesn't brush or wash off. In this case it would appear to present no threat. If your theory that it is caused by sunlight is correct, it can be checked out by turning the tree so that a different side is facing the sun. Don't be such a stranger. =Don.
My name is Don and I'm a bonsaiholic.
My imaginary friend Givitago takes over when I'm not sure of myself in print. He's not a complete fool - several bits are missing.
This message has been created using 100% recycled electrons
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Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 20/08/2008 15:49:24
Posts: 5,
Visits: 42
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I will do the soapy water tomorrow as today the weather is not the best to go outside. I will try turning the tree around to see if it does change colors on the other side too. Thank you 
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