Woolly Aphids Attacking Apple Tree

Photo: Woolly Aphids on Apple Tree

Photo: Crushed Woolly Aphids on a Napkin

I noticed something that initially appeared to be white fungus on my apple tree.  However, upon closer inspection, I discovered the white fungus was actually woolly aphids!  

Woolly aphids are aphids that feed on the sap of a plant and secrete a substance that resembles white cotton or wool.  Symptoms of feeding may include twisted and curled leaves, yellowed foliage, poor plant growth, low plant vigor, and branch dieback.

I pruned back what I could to slow down the aphid growth, and I will try out a recipe for homemade insecticidal soap on the remaining aphids.  If it ends up being effective, I will share the recipe in a later post.   

Note: To determine whether you have woolly aphids on your tree, all you have to do is rub the white substance.  If a purple stain appears, then you have a woolly aphid problem on your hands; not fungus.  

Free Split Leaf Philodendron by Mail

Photo: Split Leaf Philodendron, Free Plant of the Month by freeplantsbymail.org

Free Plants By Mail (freeplantsbymail.org) was started by local growers as a way to use the surplus plants from nurseries and also as a way to support The Nature Conservancy.  Free Plants By Mail offers a new free plant each month.  This month they are offering a Split Leaf Philodendron.  

Although the plant itself is free, you do have to pay a small shipping and handling fee of $6.95.

This organization also has over 100 plants available for sale on their site.  100% of the proceeds from the sale will go to The Nature Conservancy.

Click here to view Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

1800Flowers $15 for $30 Towards Flowers and Gifts

Birthday Flower Cake Pastel
($39.99)

Cactus Dish Garden
($29.99 to $39.99)

For a limited time, you can pay $15 for $30 towards flowers and gifts at 1800Flowers.com.

Google Offer Details:

Limit 1 offer per person. Limit 1 offer per order at 1800Flowers.com. Valid online or at 1800Flowers stores only. Offer must be redeemed within 32 days. Offer value may be used toward shipping or service charges. Shipping rates and delivery times vary. Shipping for direct-shipped gifts starts at $4.99 and flowers arrive in a box. Service charges for florist gifts starts at $12.99 and flowers arrive in a vase. Sunday delivery available with select local florists only. No Sunday shipping available. Items may vary and are subject to delivery rules and times. This offer is for a unique promo voucher good until 10/31/12 (11:59pm ET) for $30 at 1800Flowers.com. After the redemption period ends on 10/31/12 (11:59pm ET), the promo voucher loses its promotional value and buyers who have not redeemed the promo voucher will automatically receive a refund for the value they paid ($15), credited to the credit or debit card used to purchase the promo voucher, within 2 weeks of the close of the redemption period. See the rules that apply to all offers »