Ehretia Pests: Spider Mites, Scale and Mealybugs
By Muhammad Hamza · Published · Updated
The main pest on Ehretia is the spider mite, followed by scale, mealybugs, aphids and whitefly. Ehretia is also sensitive to many sprays, so start gently: wash the plant with water, use insecticidal soap, and test any treatment on one branch for 7 days before you treat the whole plant.
How do I spot each pest?
| Pest | What you see |
|---|---|
| Spider mites | Fine webbing, pale speckles on leaves, dry-looking foliage. Look under the leaves |
| Scale | Small brown bumps on stems and leaves, sticky leaves |
| Mealybugs | White cottony patches at the nodes and under leaves |
| Aphids | Small soft insects on new shoots, sticky leaves |
| Whitefly | Tiny white insects that fly up when you shake the plant |
Sticky leaves can turn black over time. That black layer is a sooty mold that grows on the sugary liquid left by scale, mealybugs and aphids. Remove the insects and the mold stops.
What should I try first?
- Spray the whole plant with a strong jet of water, including the undersides of the leaves.
- Dab mealybugs and scale with a cotton swab and a little alcohol, on a small area first.
- Use insecticidal soap, following the label.
- Repeat every 5 to 7 days for two or three rounds, because eggs hatch between treatments.
- Look under the leaves each week to catch a comeback early.
Which sprays should I avoid?
Ehretia is sensitive to many chemicals. Growers warn against diazinon, and some report damage from dormant oil and from certain systemic products. One rule covers all of these: test on one branch, wait 7 days, and treat the whole plant only if that branch looks fine. If you are unsure, send us a photo on WhatsApp before spraying.
How do I prevent pests?
- Keep the plant in full sun with good air around it.
- Do not overwater. Fungus gnats show up around constantly wet soil.
- Leave space around the plant so air can move.
- Trim lightly each week and check the leaves as you go.
Read more in our care guide and the guide to yellow, brown and falling leaves.
Ehretia Wall, 60 x 75 to 100 x 100 cm
An Ehretia wall is a flat, clipped panel of Ehretia microphylla grown in a trough on a wire frame. Panels come in five sizes, from 60 x 75 to 100 x 100 cm (height x width), and can be placed side by side to divide a space or hide a wall. Delivery takes 2 to 3 days.