10

I have a fig tree in a pot in my balcony.

Recently it has lost a couple of leaves and they all display the same features: yellowish color on the front side of the leaf, and tiny small white dots on the reverse.

Some of the leafs in the tree are starting to experience the same symptoms, and I fear it is spreading more and more and that I could eventually kill all the foliage and the fruits.

I had during this summer a severe case of spider mite in another plan in the same balcony. However I haven't seen any spider or web so far. Making some research I'm starting to think I could be some sort of mildew (powdery mildew?) but I couldn't tell on my own.

Here are some pictures you may find useful to diagnose. Note: you may notices some leafs with holes in them, those were caused by a hail storm this late springñ

Fallen sick leaf from fig Reverse of fallen leaf. Notice tiny white dots. Reverse of fallen leaf. Notice tiny white dots. Other leaf in same tree displaying similar symptoms Other leaf in same tree displaying similar symptoms

ariera
  • 357
  • 2
  • 6

1 Answers1

9

Those white dots are spider mites. There are a lot of them so you will need to apply at least three treatments of soap and water at a rate of 5 ml /liter at five to seven day intervals. This will catch the next generation when they hatch.

Don't put too much soap in the mix or you will burn the leaves with the fatty acid content of the soap. If you have the time it would help if after applying the soap you gave the plant a quick rinse with water to wash the soap off.

As this plant is not too large you could use a rag soaked in soap and water and wash each leaf top and bottom.

kevinskio
  • 62,221
  • 9
  • 80
  • 167