Insect pests are annoying on bonsai because they pose a threat to artificial trees that have been cultivated for many years. Pests that suck the sap from various parts of the plant are particularly dangerous. They cause significant growth disturbances.
Caterpillars can bare a small bonsai in one night
lice
These plant sap suckers attack deciduous and coniferous trees alike. Mealybugs, also known as mealybugs or scale insects, suck the phloem webs of the plants. Aphids feed on plant saps from leaf tissues, while blood aphids suck on lignified shoots and cause malignant ulcers. In addition to promoting beneficial insects such as ladybirds, lacewings and parasitic wasps (€22.99), these measures help specifically with a lice infestation:
- aphids: Spray wood with a mixture of detergent and water
- Scale and Mealybugs: Carry out spraying with preparations based on paraffin oil
- blood lice: Use paraffin oil to combat
spider mites
These harmful insects settle on the underside of leaves, where they puncture and suck out the epidermal cells. Air gets into the cells, giving the leaves a light mottle. They turn brown and dry up. Spider mites play a subordinate role outdoors. They are more common on indoor bonsai such as Hibiscus, Cissus and Ficus. Since they like dry and warm conditions, you should pay attention to high humidity during the heating season.
species
The common spider mite can be recognized by its fine webbing, which shows up between the leaves. Due to their tiny size, the pests are difficult to spot. The red spider does not produce webs, which is why its infestation is only recognized at a late stage.
More pests
Outdoor bonsai are occasionally visited by insect pests that directly or indirectly damage the plants. The natural balance of pests and beneficial insects is often out of control.
Beetle
Vine weevils feed on the leaves of various trees and shrubs. Their brown-headed larvae, one centimeter long, feed on the plant tissue of the roots. The bonsai cannot absorb water and dries up. Collect adult beetles in the evening hours. As they will drop if disturbed, you should spread a white cloth under the tree beforehand. Nematodes, which are administered via the irrigation water between April and June or from September to October, destroy the larvae living in the root area.
caterpillars
The spider moth is a typical plant pest that occurs on spindle trees or bird cherries. In the case of a severe infestation, several hundred caterpillars live in a web and eat the trees bare. As a rule, control is not necessary, as natural enemies such as birds take care of the plague. The trees usually recover on their own.
ants
The insects often live in a symbiosis with aphids. These are either visible on the leaves or live hidden in the ants' cavities in the substrate. Fighting ants requires eliminating the cause.