Defend Your Bonsai Trees From Attack!

Bonsai Trees require a lot of your time and effort, but your hard work can easily be destroyed in just a few days by tiny insects known as Aphids.

In fact, these insects are known to be very harmful to several species of plants primarily because their diet consists of sap. They typically puncture the phloem vessels of your plants to drink its sap and basically feast on its vital nutrients thus debilitating your much loved Bonsai.

As a result, your Bonsai will likely lose vigour, their leaves may become mottled, growth may deteriorate, wilting may occur, and worse, may actually die. This is why you need to take immediate action once you spot the first signs of infestation on your trees.

Bonsai Tree Protection

One of the most effective ways of dealing with insects is the use of home-made insecticides, but of course ready made solutions are readily available and are recommended for the more sensitive Bonsai species such as the one below.
Rotonone-Pyritherin Bonsai Insecticide 8oz

If you decide to go down the home made route; Fill a spray bottle with water and then add two teaspoons vegetable oil and half a tablespoon dish detergent. You also have the option of adding a bit of rubbing alcohol to increase potency, but don’t add more than a few drops!

Mix the solution well and then spray your Bonsai Trees with it two to three times each day, preferably in a fine mist. The good thing about this solution is that it effectively kills Aphids and other pests without damaging your plant in any way and keeping it generally free from harm and in good health.

Should You Use Pressure Washing On Bonsai Trees?

For some Bonsai species, you also have the option of using a specially made pressure washer. Take note, though, that this method is only advisable for sturdier species because it can cause huge damage to delicate Bonsai very easily. If you go for this method, be sure to take the tree to a spot away from your other plants so the Aphids could not simply transfer to another host.

Finally, you have the option of bringing in aphid-eating predators that will not harm your Bonsai Trees. Spiders and ladybirds are excellent examples of such predators. Of course, your choice of method for eliminating pests depends largely on the species of Bonsai Trees you have and your personal preferences for a home made or pre-mixed solution.