Hi folks-
I recently got my first bonsai as a gift from my gf, a ginseng ficus. After I first got it & repositioned it about a month ago, about 25% of the leaves turned yellow and fell off which I understand to be somewhat normal after relocating a tree.

However, it's still continuing to lose leaves and I'm wondering if I have some sort of pest or bug. I water it about every 2 days and try to mist it every day, if that helps. I live in an area of the city with not much sun, but I've set the tree quite near a large south-facing window.

I've attached some photos of the condition of the leaves in general as well as what some fallen ones look like, and what I think might be bugs and / or fungus, but I could be totally wrong here.

Please note (1) the small white "stalks" on the bottom side of many of the leaves and (2) what looks like a fat black bug / thing.

I would love it if anyone could provide some pointers and / or care instructions; this is a brand new hobby to me and I would rather not have my first tree die on me...

Thanks,
Rafael

You have an infection of spider mites on your hands.
Get a spray that specifically mentions those, as these are not killed by an insecticide (As they are spiders and not insects)

Hi,
Thanks for the info, I'll get that. Do you have a good suggestion of any particular product?

I only saw this just now (for some reason didn't get an email regarding the reply).

The tree is now down to about 50% of its leaves; is it salvageable at this point?

Thanks,
Rafael

I live in tropical region, ficus is somewhat strong plant. I did repotting my ficus and immediately adding fertilizer and it grows stronger, fyi this method actually killing the roots. I did this before I learn the do's and don'ts.

Not sure in your region.

flyingfishfinger wrote: The tree is now down to about 50% of its leaves; is it salvageable at this point?

Of course. But you need to treat it for the infection and then provide the right circumstances such as warm location, plenty of light, humid air.
I use a product like Neudorff Schild- und Wolllausfrei.

Interesting, are Wolllaeuse actually the same as spider mites / related? I had Wolllaeuse on a cactus when I lived in Germany (probably too cold and dark).

I just acquired some Doktor Doom Spider Mite Knockout, let's see how that goes...

Vielen Dank

Nah, they are VERY different beasts. I would say wolleuse are closer to dragonflies than spidermites, considering the first two are insects, and the mites are.. spides.