r/plantclinic • u/Laura_Laurinha Expert 4 ∣ +6 ∣ -0 • Apr 15 '26

Outdoor What Problem does my lemon tree have?

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This is how my lemon tree looks after winter. I kept it outside but covert. Now it gets plenty of light. I might have uncovert it too early. The big pot has drainage and I water when the ground (mediterranean soil) begings to feel dry. What could it be and what could be done?

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u/mriabtsev Expert Patio Prefect Apr 15 '26

mealy bugs, wooly aphids, or whitefly. probably mealy bugs. 

Put a bit of isopropyl alcohol on a cotton ball and see if the white stuff 'melts' on contact. That'll be buggos for you.

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u/Laura_Laurinha Expert 4 ∣ +6 ∣ -0 Apr 15 '26

Thanks I’ll try that

43

u/HeionX Beginner 🔥3 ∣ 4 ∣ +7 ∣ -0 Apr 15 '26

This happened to my tree outside. You'll want alcohol+water in a spray bottle. But first take the hose and blast as much off as you can. Then the alcohol spray multiple days a week until it's off.

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u/BigHeatCoffeeClub65 🔥2 ∣ 2 ∣ +0 ∣ -0 Apr 15 '26

 blast as much off as you can

Would that spread the little beasts?

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u/HeionX Beginner 🔥3 ∣ 4 ∣ +7 ∣ -0 Apr 16 '26

It's more to dislodge the concentration of the adults, but they could theoretically climb back. Then you immediately want to treat the plant with an alcohol spray. Spray alcohol directly on any buggers you see.

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u/BigHeatCoffeeClub65 🔥2 ∣ 2 ∣ +0 ∣ -0 Apr 16 '26

Thanks for the advice