What's eating my pomegranate bonsai?

Pomegranate bonsai (Punica granatum) is susceptible to aphids, mealybugs, whitefly, and — when kept outdoors — pomegranate butterfly caterpillars. The dense twiggy structure of bonsai makes it easy for mealybugs to establish in leaf axils. Aphids are the most frequent pest on new growth in spring.

Dense clusters on young shoot tips and flower buds; leaves curl, new growth distorts, and honeydew promotes sooty mould; can stress bonsai heavily in spring Spray with a strong jet of water; apply insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil; repeat every 5–7 days; introduce ladybirds if kept outdoors

White cottony colonies in branch forks, leaf axils, and at root collar; sap feeding weakens the plant and promotes sticky sooty mould Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol swab; apply neem oil foliar spray and soil drench; inspect weekly for several weeks after treatment

Tiny white-winged adults flutter from leaves when disturbed; larvae feed on undersides, causing yellowing and leaf drop Hang yellow sticky traps; spray undersides of leaves with insecticidal soap or pyrethrin; reflective mulch on the pot surface deters adults

Larvae bore into developing fruits from the calyx end, destroying seeds inside; affected fruits drop prematurely Bag developing fruits in fine mesh organza bags; remove and destroy affected fruits; apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) sprays at first sign of egg-laying