From the Grower

• Spider mites are the number one interior problem to watch for. 
• Mealybugs may be a problem indoors
• Aphids may be a minor problem outdoors and indoors
• Scale may be a minor problem indoors
• Whitefly is a common pest in the nursery, but should not be a factor indoors.
• Older leaves turning yellow is a sign of water stress

Mites should be primarily controlled with predator mites.  Neoseiulus californicus,(Spical, Spical Plus, Californiline) and Phytoseiulus persimilis,(Spidex, Bio Persimilis, Phytoline) are two excellent choices for spider mite control.  If a mite infestation is exceptionally bad, prior to the release of predator mites, spray the plant with water or horticultural oil.  Both will provide some knockdown control of spider mites and will not leave a toxic residue that may effect predator mites.  If the population of spider mites is red in color, (as opposed to pale yellow with 2 dark black spots) then californicus mites are the only option.  Even these predators do not feed heavily on the red spider mite.  In this case spraying is the best option.  Use a miticide that works well with californicus predator mites (Sultan, Floramite SC, Shuttle O). 

Mealybugs can be removed with a systemic insecticide drench and hand cleaning.  If pesticides are not an option, try horticultural oil directly sprayed onto the insects.  A second and third treatment, if using oils, will be necessary.  Space out the sprays at 3 week intervals to break up the mealybug life cycle.  Mealybugs have not been a major pest in the nursery, but they have been observed.

Aphids can be controlled in the same way as mealybugs.

The Moclame develops a dense canopy of leaves in the nursery, some of which will be shed when transferring this plant to lower light levels.  Overall the Moclame should have less initial leaf loss than a Ficus  benjamina.  Once the initial acclimation is complete, leaf loss will be more related to water stress or insect damage than light.

Other Links

Early Spider Mite Damage on Ficus Moclame

Side Effects of Common Pesticides on Predator Mites