What's eating my fujian cypress?

Fujian Cypress (Fokienia hodginsii) is rarely cultivated outside specialist collections and has few documented garden pests. Scale insects and spider mites are the most likely problems in cultivation. As an endangered species in the wild, the main threats are logging and habitat loss, but in gardens, standard conifer pest vigilance applies.

White crusty scales coating foliage and stems; yellowing and browning of needles; dieback of branch tips. Apply dormant horticultural oil in late winter. Spray insecticidal soap onto crawlers in early summer. Improve air circulation by selectively pruning around the plant.

Fine bronze or grey stippling on foliage; thin webbing between branchlets; accelerated needle drop in hot, dry conditions. Maintain soil moisture to reduce heat stress. Forceful water sprays every 2–3 days. Apply miticide (neem oil or bifenazate) if infestation is heavy.

Dark aphid colonies on stems and young shoots; honeydew drip; sooty mould on foliage below. Insecticidal soap spray directly onto colonies. Encourage natural predators. High-pressure water jet for accessible infestations.