名媛直播

Two weeks ago we bought a Brazilian Rain Tree bonsai from a local 名媛直播 farm here in Miami. When we brought it home it was healthy and happy. The owner suggested we water the tree every day. After our tree started having drooping leaves we read up on overwatering. We immediately backed off on the watering until the soil wasn't so damp but the leaves began turning brown and dying in large clumps. We've now started noticing swarms of small ants coming out of the pot. I've been doing research and it looks like it could be a carpenter ant. I've attached pictures of both the tree and the ant. Our little guy has been living outside, but we've brought him inside since the ant situation. I'd like to get some perspectives before we just jump into pesticides. Could it be an overwatering/ pest combo? If so, how should we proceed?

Don't know what ant it is, but if there are ants, you should check for aphids.

I didn’t see anything that looked like the pictures of aphid I saw online. Only ants. But after a little research I shined a flashlight on the leaves and I can see what look like tiny water droplets. I know they can leave a dew-like substance behind so maybe that’s it. I think we may try some neem oil and see if that works. I don’t want to do anything too aggressive while the tree seems to be weak.

Thanks!

Years ago I had an aphid issue, and got rid of them by spraying mild soap water with chili. The aphids like neither soap nor capsicin.

Take it to your local bonsai farm.

They know the tree, and grew it. They have your climate and they can look at the tree live. From over the internet it will remain a guessing game.

The tree is on its way to the wastebin right now so do not wait too long to fix whatever it is.