Share
hello, our orange tree leaves got munched by some hungry insects. How can I get rid of these? And can anybody please suggest me how we should generally take good care of this tree. We are in Launceston if this helps to suggest for any fertilizer or any specific kind of mulch. Thank you
? Thank you
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @arefinforbd. It's sensational to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about citrus plants.
From the leaves you’ve shown, it looks very much like a caterpillar or similar chewing insect has been at work. The bite marks are quite typical of that type of pest. The first thing to check is how widespread the problem is. Are just a few leaves affected, or is the damage occurring throughout the whole tree? This will help gauge how urgent control measures are.
For edible plants like orange trees, the safest and most effective way to manage these pests is to target the insects themselves. That usually means using a pest oil spray or a pyrethrum-based spray when you can actually see the insects on the tree. Caterpillars are often more active at night, so inspecting the tree in the evening with a torch can help you locate them. Once you see them, you can apply the spray directly or remove them by hand if there are only a few. Without being able to contact the insects, chemical or organic sprays won’t have much effect.
For general care, maintaining a healthy tree will make it less vulnerable to pests. Mulching around the base with organic mulch like sugarcane or coarse bark helps retain moisture, moderate soil temperature, and improve soil structure over time. For fertilising, a slow-release citrus fertiliser such as Osmocote applied according to label instructions will provide balanced nutrition. Make sure to water regularly during dry periods, and prune lightly to maintain airflow and remove any damaged or diseased foliage.
Here's a helpful guide: Caring for citrus.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
