Ralph bought me some ladybugs today. We made a large envelope/pouch out of thin painter’s plastic drop cloth, taping edges. We placed the lemon tree, along with one of my hoyas that was right next to it and I think got slightly infected with the mites, on the front porch. We covered both plants with the plastic, let loose some ladybugs and tied off the bottom.
My plan is to leave it out until tomorrow evening at the soonest. The porch gets some morning sun, but is shaded otherwise. The night temps will be in the high-40s, which will put the tree into a temporary dormancy. I’m hoping it’s a short enough dormancy that it doesn’t affect the fruit that is currently on there. I’m trying to tell myself that if all the fruit go bad, but the plant is healthy, that is the important thing. I just can’t help but feel bad that I’ll have to wait for more fruit. From what I’ve read online, it sometimes takes up to 9 months before the fruit will ripen.
Note to self: If I ever buy a similar plant, check it for scales before purchasing.