Question From:
Kate Stone in Wavell Heights, Brisbane QLD
Nature of problem:
Brown gritty droppings
Type of Plant (if known):
Poinciana
Symptoms of Plant Illness (please try NOT to diagnose your problems yourself):
Gritty brown substance dropping from tree
Soil Type (e.g. sandy, clay or loam) OR Potting Mix Type:
clay?
How often do you water the plant:
?neighbour’s tree
How many hours of sunlight does the plant get each day:
8
What type of plant is it:
poinciana tree
How long since you planted it:
? mature
Have you fertilised? If so, with what and when:
?neighbour
Is the plant indoors or outdoors:
outdoors
What other treatments have you given the plant:
?
Upload photo if available:
Other Comments:
Hi. We have a lovely Poinciana next door, but for the last few months it has been shedding excessive amounts of a strange, brown gritty substance. It has stained our pool and tiles and isn’t showing signs of slowing down. It is the first tone in 3 years this has happened. Is it a borer? We live in Brisbane, Australia
Answer: I’m not sure Kate. It could be caterpillar poo. The caterpillar could be a borer. Fertilising with citrus food on your side will provide the Micronutrients that enable the tree to fight them off.