Common Bonsai Pests

Bonsai are susceptible to pests responsible for damaging your tree's physical appearance and overall health.

Generally, three types of pests attack bonsai: borers, leafcutters, leaf buds, and stem buds. Here is a list of the most common Bonsai pests.

There are natural insecticides that help get rid of dust mites, scale insects, whiteflies, aphids, thrips, powdery mildew, and many more.

These are insecticidal soaps like this one (paralyzes soft-bodied insects), neem oil, horticultural oil (consisting mainly of mineral oil).

Aphids

They are small insects that vary in shape and size. They suck the sap and leave small yellow spots on the foliage. They affect the lower part of the leaf more than the upper surface. Use soapy water to rinse or remove by hand.

Caterpillars

These are small leaf-eating worms that can be easily identified. These are most active during the summer months. Pick them up from a leaf by hand and use soapy water to get rid of their infestations.

Scale insects and Mealybugs

Scale insects have a hard yellow shell. They can easily hide in narrow places along the stem, rapidly increase in number, and suck the juice from the plants. Mealybugs have a waxy white coating. Spray insecticides to get rid of them.

Natural insecticides include organic insecticidal soap, neem oil, horticultural oil.

How to protect your bonsai from a pest infestation?

A healthy bonsai needs good care to stay away from pests and diseases. Pests do a lot to weaken the growth of your plant. That is why follow the key points mentioned below to avoid pest infestations:

• Use a sterile potting mix.
• Do not move your Bonsai after replanting. Place it in the shade until new roots develop. Even some movement can cause the leaves to fall.
• Balances the pH of the soil. Soil that is too acidic and too alkaline invites pests and diseases.
• Don't put your plants in a shady spot for long periods of time.
• Adding humus to the soil acts as a natural pest deterrent.
• Do not fertilize Bonsai for a month after replanting.
• Always wire before recharging your Bonsai. Otherwise, you will lose stability and root problems.
• Remove debris, such as fallen leaves, from the surface of the ground.
• Don't leave your plants in full sun with a minimal supply of water.
• Transplant your bonsai when it is rooted (the roots surround a clod and come out of the holes).

We hope you enjoy this video about common bonsai pests:

Source: Blue Sky Bonsai

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