Troubleshooting
Old Man Saltbush problems — and how to fix them
Old Man Saltbush (Atriplex nummularia) is generally low-drama, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Lucerne flea and earth mites
The lucerne flea (Sminthurus viridis) and red-legged earth mite (Halotydeus destructor) are the most documented pests, causing malformation of new growth in young plants; most damaging at the seedling stage — monitor and treat with appropriate miticide or insecticidal soap.
Scale insects and leafhoppers
Scale, leafhoppers, and borers can infest plants under drought stress or waterlogging stress; maintain ideal growing conditions (free-draining soil, full sun) to reduce susceptibility, and treat scale with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Prevent old man saltbush problems before they start
Most old man saltbush issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Old Man Saltbush problems — FAQ
Why is my old man saltbush lucerne flea and earth mites?
The lucerne flea (Sminthurus viridis) and red-legged earth mite (Halotydeus destructor) are the most documented pests, causing malformation of new growth in young plants; most damaging at the seedling stage — monitor and treat with appropriate miticide or insecticidal soap.
Why is my old man saltbush scale insects and leafhoppers?
Scale, leafhoppers, and borers can infest plants under drought stress or waterlogging stress; maintain ideal growing conditions (free-draining soil, full sun) to reduce susceptibility, and treat scale with neem oil or insecticidal soap.