tattoo19703
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Infestation?
- Thread starter tattoo19703
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DeepSouth
Yamadori
That is not an elm, it is a Fukien Tea. The texture on the leaves is normal, so nothing to worry about.
rockm
Spuds Moyogi
First. I don’t think that’s an elm. It Looks more like a caromna/fukien tea (which is a tropical species) to me
The leaves typically all have pores as part of their structure—which showsup here. You also look to have scale and possibly aphids. Systemic insecticide can be used but frankly the tree looks relative small pick the scale off by hand and then give the leaves an upward blast of water from a hose (outside of course) to dislodge aphids
Wires_Guy_wires
Imperial Masterpiece
Unfortunately, that's normal from big box stores. It's whoolly aphids, or however that's written.
They are not aphids but Pseudococcidae, so nothing with plain 'aphids' on the label will kill them. Get something that lists them specifically on the label, read the label, read the label again, stick to the safety things on the label, don't cry if you kill your pets because you didn't read the label, use it accordingly, like on the label.
Usually two or three treatments with 3 week intervals should get rid of them.
Keep the plant away from things you don't like to be sticky, these critters poop literal sugar and everything around the plant will be coated by their excrement.
Some lukewarm water would be able to clean most things of the sticky residue.
They are not aphids but Pseudococcidae, so nothing with plain 'aphids' on the label will kill them. Get something that lists them specifically on the label, read the label, read the label again, stick to the safety things on the label, don't cry if you kill your pets because you didn't read the label, use it accordingly, like on the label.
Usually two or three treatments with 3 week intervals should get rid of them.
Keep the plant away from things you don't like to be sticky, these critters poop literal sugar and everything around the plant will be coated by their excrement.
Some lukewarm water would be able to clean most things of the sticky residue.
DeepSouth
Yamadori
The others are right, there are wooly aphids here. I didn't see them until zooming in. I have had luck treating them with Bonide systemic insecticide.
tattoo19703
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Thanks for all the quick responses!
souvik1811
Yamadori
The white ones look like mealybugs to me. If you plan on rinsing with water, you could mix a few drops of soap in - this usually kills them off.
NMbonsai
Yamadori
Take it back where you bought it and get a refund. Don't exchange it for another because that one will probably be infested as well. The fukien tea is not an easy tree for a beginner to learn on. I killed several back when I was starting out in this hobby/practice/addiction.
I would start with a Chinese elm for my beginner tree, sourced from a reputable bonsai nursery (Wigert's comes to mind). Chinese elms are more forgiving of typical beginner mistakes like over or underwatering.
Don't get discouraged if your first tree dies.
We have all been there. I don't know your location. You might want to post that so the folks here can give you more focused and accurate advice. And, lastly, if there is a local bonsai club in your area, that would be a great source for information about the climate and species native to your area.
I would start with a Chinese elm for my beginner tree, sourced from a reputable bonsai nursery (Wigert's comes to mind). Chinese elms are more forgiving of typical beginner mistakes like over or underwatering.
Don't get discouraged if your first tree dies.
We have all been there. I don't know your location. You might want to post that so the folks here can give you more focused and accurate advice. And, lastly, if there is a local bonsai club in your area, that would be a great source for information about the climate and species native to your area.
Gonzoe
Yamadori
I agree with the dude above. Take it back and get a refund, I think a lot of people don’t like to share where they get good material from but I love helping when I can. Go to EvergreenGardenWorks.com and get something nice for a cheap, like a ficus or a Chinese elm would be really nice for sure. The site doesn’t look too appealing but it’s heaven 
You don’t need to waste a bunch of time with a tree that’s starting in bad health, that’s really hard, especially if you’re just starting out. Wish you the best of luck!
You don’t need to waste a bunch of time with a tree that’s starting in bad health, that’s really hard, especially if you’re just starting out. Wish you the best of luck!
tattoo19703
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Great site!I agree with the dude above. Take it back and get a refund, I think a lot of people don’t like to share where they get good material from but I love helping when I can. Go to EvergreenGardenWorks.com and get something nice for a cheap, like a ficus or a Chinese elm would be really nice for sure. The site doesn’t look too appealing but it’s heaven
NMbonsai
Yamadori
Great advice from @Gonzoe. Brent at Evergreen Gardenworks is honest and very knowledgeable. I have purchased prebonsai from him several times over the years. Also, in addition to the catalog of available material, he has posted on his site a wealth of information on the best techniques to use with various species, in addition to the general description of the individual cultivars of those species. That would be a good place for you to start.
