I have a lemon tree that I'm keeping indoors (in a cool basement) for the winter (southwestern Ontario in Canada). I'm noticing sticky wet spots on various leaves. I can't see any other visible signs of insects. We also have 2 hibiscus and a bougainvillea in the same area. We did spray all the plants with insecticidal soap before bringing them indoors in the fall. Any suggestions as to what this might be? Also, I have had this tree for a number of years however have never had fruit on it. It stays outside in the warmer weather and comes inside for the winter. It does very well outside and looks very healthy ... other than the sticky wet spots! What do I need to do to encourage fruit growth?
Sounds like Honeydew secretions of a sucking insect or scale. They can be minute and difficult to diagnose or treat. http://www.alexanderwild.com/Ants/T...02612_hzDGN/1/582824737_EQZh7#642192861_gFidH
Agreed - likely a sap sucking pest. If you cannot see the pest then it's likely a scale infestation in its early stages. Was this tree grown from a seed? It could take years before a seedling matures and begins to produce blooms. Also, pruning of a seedling would delay maturation.
I don't know what scale looks like however what I found on one of the top stems looks kind of like scales. The attached pictures are not super clear however it shows what I'm talking about. https://picasaweb.google.com/mewild58/LemonTree#5570315711272914002 https://picasaweb.google.com/mewild58/LemonTree#5570317715169983234 I got the plant from my brother so I don't know if it was grown from a seed or a sapling. We haven't done any massive pruning in the last few years.
Definitely scale. You'll need to kill them with alcohol on a q-tip or a horticultural oil spray. http://www.fourwindsgrowers.com/tips-and-advice/growing-dwarf-citrus/in-containers.html
