Hi, well for one thing, I don't believe in preventative spraying for anything at any time. I wait til there's a specific problem and try to be sure of what it is before doing anything, then I use the least 'offensive' thing possible (like Safer's Soap and lots of showers and humidity trays for mites). F. teas are fussy, but I believe Neem oil is as safe as you'll get for them and is relatively easy to find if not under that name, then as the #1 ingredient in something by another name.

Hi Lucy,
I agree about all you've said, although I suspect that it was Neem that killed one of my Ficus nerifolia. I do apologize for the trouble, but I'd like your best advice specifically about the systemic insecticide (Disulfoton 1.00%)which I would add to the soil before planting the tree. I do this routinely when transpalnting and it works until I forget to replenish. It's just that in the back of my brain there's something about systemics not being good for all trees, Fukien Tea (possibly?) being one of them.
Thank you for your kind reply,
Krys

Hi, I'm sorry, I know nothing at all about that chemical and wouldn't want to guess at it. Have you thought about calling the company (lots of them now have 800 #'s on labels) and asking them about it - whether or not they know about Fukiens? Or, how abou calling www.glassworks.com (a site that sells and really knows tropical plants) and getting their help? Sorry... I've been lucky so far with my teas as I haven't had bug trouble in the past and just use No Damp (fungicide) when rooting things.

Lucy, thank you for your reply. I'm going to pursue this through other channels but will probably just cross my fingers and use the Disulfoton.
I think that your mouse slipped when you inserted the glassworks link in your message. I tried it and they do exactly what their name suggests -- they make glass.
But thanks anyway :-)
Krys

Glasshouseworks!