Help - Flies are attacking

Tinks104 · Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2008 10:22 am Post subject: Help - Flies are attacking

Hi I'm a teenager and I was just given a Bonsai tree for my birthday, I read the instructions, but as my last two have died in at least a month I need some help. I'm spraying him every day but I am getting little flies buzzing around. I do not think this is a good sign!! How often should I be watering him? Thanks *Tinks* Very Happy

Stymie · Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2008 10:45 am Post subject: Re: Help - Flies are attacking

Welcome Tinks.
You haven't told us what kind of tree you got or where it is kept. Give as much detail as you can. It can all help us.
Hopefully, the flies may be fungus gnats, which don't present a threat to the tree although they are unsightly. When you spray, add two or three drops of liquid soap or detergent to the bottle. This is the first line of attack against any insect infestation and does no harm if repeated frequently. Water should be given to keep the planting medium from drying out. Just moist is the ideal to aim for. Frequency will depend on your conditions, the rate of growth and the type of planting medium. Come back as often as you like Tinks, we are always here and hope that you will become a regular 'puter pal.
By the way, your location means whereabouts in the world Laughing

Tinks104 · Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2008 12:46 pm Post subject: Thanks

I don't know what type of tree it is, it has a brownish whitish trunk, the leaves are vivid green and the branches closest to the tree are brown but the ones leading up to the leaves are green and springy. the label says it comes from the Guangdong Province area in China. Smile

Stymie · Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2008 1:40 pm Post subject: Re: Help - Flies are attacking

You haven't told us where it is. Kent is the garden of England. Is it in the garden? the house (Whereabouts) or a greenhouse?
Submit a photograph with a plain background to Photobucket and tell us the URL (address) so that we can download it. We must get an identification somehow. What were the instructions that came with it? Please don't ignore any of my questions this time. They are asked for your benefit and I want to help. What shape are the leaves, are they in opposing pairs, alternate or spiral positions? Composite like an Ashtree? How big are they? Are the edges smooth or toothed? What consistency does the planting medium have? Are there any stones glued to the surface? Does water drain through the holes in the bottom of the pot quickly? Anything else that you can think of because we don't want this one to follow the others Wink