Hi I'm new to the forum. I have been keeping an orange plant for the last 7-8 years. My plants were raised from seedlings. I also keep a mandarin plant that I purchased this year. Last wintern my Orange plant developed white spot/discoloration on the leaves. I noticed webs on some of th branches. What precaution can I take to avoid it this year when I bring my plant indoor? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Jose Some pics of the leaves and the plant
What you are calling white spot discoloration, is actually the result of a spider mite infestation. Spider mites are extremely small mites that are difficult to see. The mite sucks the internal juices in the leaves, and by doing so causes damage that shows up as the white spots. Fortunately, spider mites are quite easy to control. Use Ultra Fine horticultural oil (100% Non-toxic) as a 1 percent spray at the first sign of an infestation. You can find Ultra Fine at most garden centers or at Home Depot. Never spray a citrus tree during the heat of the day. Spray the oil in the evening, being sure to cover both the upper and lower surface of the leaves, as well as the bark. A second spray might be needed in a week or two. You can use a soapy water spray which also works, but is much less effective. Therefore 2 or 3 repeated sprays will be required. Spider mites have been discussed on this forum many times. Use the search function and you will find all the information you require. Take care. - Millet
Horticultural Oils will control just about every insect problem your citrus trees will encounter. Ultra Fine, is a very prominent trade name of a high quality horticultural oil that has been long used in the citrus industry, and by citrus hobbyist. Being an oil, it is completely safe, and 100 percent non toxic, and can be used even in organic grown citrus groves. It should be very easy to locate. Take care, and the best to you and your trees. - Millet
How to avoid pest. I found that just doing a daily observations is the best way of controlling pests problems a simple walk through, keeping an a keen eye open. If I do find an insect that may be a problem I enjoy researching, sometimes the friendllys move in to make the kill and are the blamed for the problems. Dale
