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I'm worried the root system may have fully dried out during it's time alone in my house, would trimming help?

For the bugs: I'm Not sure what we are looking? The white thingies or the brown thingies that look like loose bits of bark?
Do they move?

Maybe it's easier for you to compare the attached photo with your tree. Does this look the same ?

Auk wrote: For the bugs: I'm Not sure what we are looking? The white thingies or the brown thingies that look like loose bits of bark?
Do they move?

Maybe it's easier for you to compare the attached photo with your tree. Does this look the same ?

In the first post it says the bugs are white, so I would assume the white things are what you're supposed to be looking at!

I repotted an ill tree that I got from walmart after receiving advice here, in a regular pot, not a bonsai pot, and it's doing a lot better. I don't know if that helps any, I've been stalking this thread and decided to jump in~

moondragon wrote: In the first post it says the bugs are white, so I would assume the white things are what you're supposed to be looking at!

Some of us need to read better. Thanks :whistle:

The bugs are white, fuzzy, two antenna and yes they move! Not fast but they are definitely wiggling just a little bit (they look like fuzzy white beetles.) They explode into red moosh (blood lol?) I've actually read about the bugs before and it was said that lady bugs could take care of them, they were identified as Meads I believe.. I don't think it was Mites, definitely Meads. My camera can't focus in enough to get the detail of the bugs.
I'm having trouble relocating the article I read

Look closely where the bark is ripped off in the center, three bugs are huddled together

JOHNNYMAZE wrote: Look closely where the bark is ripped off in the center, three bugs are huddled together

It's not a pomegranate, as Bob proved by posting a photo of pomegranate leaves, that have rounded tips, while Serissa leaves are narrow and pointy. It's not Myrtle. It's also not CRAPE myrtle, that has leaves that are much wider.

You mention that the bark is coming and that is not a good sign. The roots don't look too healthy and may be rotting.
This may be caused by them having been dried out, having died off, and then being watered again.

I'm not sure about the bugs. Never heard of meads. Do you mean mealy bugs?


I'm not sure about that brown soil. It looks like the soil itself is black, but there's a layer of brown stuff on top of it?
I wonder if that are the rotten away roots.

Anyway, and I know you don't want to hear it: I think this tree looks very unhealthy and that it probably is too far gone already. Also, this is a species that is considered not easy to care for. Don't let that stop you though - there's still life in it, so there's hope.

Hi Johnnymaze, Try using Garlic water mixed with some Canola oil. Make sure to keep it out of the sun and your house, it not only stinks, but the strong sun light and oil can burn the leaves. Rinse it after 24 hours. It works well for all sorts of bug.
It's the only thing I use on my Roses.

I am not going to comment on the species because it is not clear to me. Anything from serissa to even certain azalea species are within range for me. However, your plant is in need of and intensive care station..

...

- Get the plant health: Treat it as a regular potted plant. take a larger container. Lift the plant, take all the rubbisch (Stones etc) off. If you see roots that are clearly in bad state (Stinking black), cut them off with clean clippers. Then pot in the larger container with regular potting mix. Leave in there for at least 6 months, or longer if longer is required to get 4-6 inch extensions on the branches.

Make sure the plant cannot wiggle in the pot, but do not use a lot of pressure to put it in (Fine roots break very easily).

- Keep in dappled shade, never let it dry out completely

- Stop chuicking all sorts of chemicals on the plant. Bugs are there, will be there. Plants cannot grow in sterile environments. A few bugs will not kill your plant. Only serious infestations are a risk.

- When an infestation does show up, find out what exactly is on the plant, and get a suitable product. Matches are never a suitable product.

- Stop chipping away at the bark. It serve no purpose.

Once you see the plant starting to grow again

leatherback wrote: Once you see the plant starting to grow again

... you may slowly introduce it to higher light levels, give it some fertilizer, maybe start pruning the longer shoots a bit?

(seems you got cut off while writing )