Help please! Is this scale on my citrus tree?

[Ladybugs]

Hi all, I have a few dwarf citrus plants in pots on my balcony and I recently noticed that the leaves on one side of my orange tree are turning yellow and covered in spots - please see attached photos. I’ve done some googling and it appears to be scale or fungus but unsure if this is correct. Has anyone seen this before and/or could you please share suggested treatments? 

 

 

[EricL]

Hello @Ladybugs 

Thanks for sharing your question about your citrus tree. 

Your citrus tree appears to have a pest or fungal issue, possibly caused by citrus scale, spider mites, or fungal leaf spot. The yellowing and speckled appearance could indicate sap-sucking pests like scale insects or mites, while fungal infections can cause uneven discoloration and spotting.
 

To treat this, first check the undersides of the leaves and stems for scale insects (small, hard bumps) or fine webbing (a sign of spider mites). If you spot pests, wipe the affected areas with a cloth dipped in soapy water or apply a horticultural oil (like Eco-Oil). If fungal disease is suspected, prune any heavily affected leaves to improve airflow and apply a copper-based fungicide such as Yates 200ml Liquid Copper Fungicide.
 

Since your tree is in a pot on a balcony, ensure it gets good airflow and avoid overhead watering to reduce humidity around the leaves. If the soil is staying too wet, adjust watering to let it dry slightly between waterings. A light feed with a balanced citrus fertilizer such as Yates Thrive Citrus & Fruit Granular Fertiliser, which is available at Bunnings. It will provide essential nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and trace elements to promote healthy growth and fruiting. Since your tree is in a pot, apply it sparingly every 6-8 weeks, following the package instructions, and water it in well.
 

If you prefer another option, Seasol 2.5kg Plus Nutrients Fruit And Citrus is another great choice. It contains seaweed and nutrients to help strengthen the tree and improve resistance to pests and diseases. Make sure to follow the application instructions at the back of the packet.

Since your citrus is showing signs of stress, avoid over-fertilizing, start with a small amount and observe how the plant responds before increasing the dosage.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Ladybugs]

Hi Eric, thank you so much for your detailed advice. This is incredibly helpful. I’ll assess the tree a bit further and commence these treatments accordingly. Have a great day!