Plant Doctor Archive

Ficus in the office

We are in Auckland and have a lovely 7-year-old fiscus plant in our office. It has always thrived in the conditions. However, when we got it repotted by some professionals, the plant ended up with the little white termites. We have tried about 6 doses of Pyrethrum but the little mites are still attacking the plant. Can you advise us what we can do to save the plant please?

This sounds to me as if it is mealy bug. Conqueror Oil and Orthene is effective but Orthene is smelly and not very friendly. A more convenient spray (being in an office) is aerosol Confidor. The plants will need repeat sprays, but it is effective. This is available from supermarkets as well as hardware stores and garden centres.

Advice by Dr Dan Blanchon from Unitec's Diploma in Sustainable Horticulture and Bachelor of Resource Management.

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