Possible pest problem on Schefflera

11 years ago

I'm not much of a green thumb when it comes to houseplants, and I need some help identifying a suspected pest on a Schefflera Arboricola I purchased just yesterday.
The plant looks pretty healthy overall, but when I looked closer at the stems, there are these weird brown bump things that I think may be scales (but I really have no clue). I didn't notice the bumps until today, and I'm keeping it away from my other plants for now in case it is a pest or disease.
Below are links to pics of the bumps, a couple sickly looking leaves, and the whole plant.
If it is a pest, should I even bother fighting them, or should I just return the plant?

http://i59.tinypic.com/sf9cvl.jpg
http://i61.tinypic.com/2q1uyps.jpg
http://i58.tinypic.com/sbmpgg.jpg
http://i60.tinypic.com/2q88z9e.jpg
http://i57.tinypic.com/2yvv53r.jpg
http://i58.tinypic.com/2ujh2t1.jpg

I'll also put a link to my post on another website that has all the pics in one place.
Thanks for your time, and sorry for all the links, I couldn't figure out how to post multiple pics.

Here is a link that might be useful: Link to post on other site

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Comments (3)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
11 years ago
I purchased just yesterday.

==>>> ALWAYS RETURN INFECTED PLANTS ...

and next time.. check first..

i hope you didnt infect anything else in the house... though.. scale usually doesnt move that fast ...

look for the HTML code.. and paste your pix right here ... on preview.. if you see it.. we will ....

and if they refuse to refund your money.. report them to the local Ag office. ... for a thorough and complete inspection ....

ken
jean001a
11 years ago
The tiny brown spots on the backs of the leaves may be edema, sometimes spelled oedema. If so, not a problem.

To determine if those small bumps are scale, try to lift them off with a fingernail.
Scale should come off easily.
If a part of the plant, as in swollen lenticels, they'll be firmly attached.

This post was edited by jean001a on Sun, Dec 28, 14 at 23:49
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rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
11 years ago
I'm not at all convinced that the bumps on the stem are scale, either. They appear to be eruptions, either lenticels or even edema.