What's eating my ficus retusa bonsai?

Ficus retusa bonsai kept indoors is most threatened by scale insects and spider mites, which thrive in the warm, dry air of heated rooms. Mealybugs are also common, hiding in bark crevices. Fungus gnats infest overwatered soil. Regular inspection of bark and leaf undersides is essential for catching problems early.

Brown or tan waxy bumps on stems and trunk; sticky honeydew; leaves yellow and drop. Wipe off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol; treat with horticultural oil spray; repeat weekly for a month.

Fine pale stippling on leaves; webbing on undersides; leaves bronze and drop in heavy infestations. Mist leaves to raise humidity; spray undersides with water; apply neem oil or miticide spray.

White fluffy wax deposits in leaf axils and bark crevices; leaf yellowing and sticky residue. Dab with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab; isolate the plant; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap.