Mold (I think?) on Fukien Tea Tree

[BonSeidi Klum]

Relatively new owner (since Dec 2023) of this... high maintenance fella. It was a gift and my first bonsai (I know!) so I'd really like to keep it alive and healthy.

Any pointers on how to address and treat this? Thanks!

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

Looks like your plant has a scale problem. They can secrete honeydew that is basically sugar, and it will go moldy and cause whatever is under your plant to be covered in sticky sugars as well.

You can remove the scale by hand or use a systemic that has scale on the label. If you treat your plant, do read the warning labels and instructions. But before you do, shower the plant in lukewarm water for about 20 minutes to remove most of the honeydew.

 

[Shibui]

Bad case of scale. In addition to above advice, horticultural oils are effective for most scales.

Also looks like some fine webbing in the enlargement. That could mean mites on the plant too. Mites suck on leaves and often leave pale spots on leaves. If you have good eyes or a magnifier, you may be able to see very tiny bugs moving around, usually on the underside of leaves. Need a specific Miticide to deal with mites. They don't seem to be affected by the usual pesticides.
Both pests are very common when plants are kept indoors as the pests love the protected conditions.

 

[BonSeidi Klum]

Thank you both! Very helpful. Got some neem oil and miticide from the nursery, ready to go to war!