Too Big Ficus Scale Structure

Ok, i was looking at my Indoor Too Big Ficus today. The tree for the most part is looking good with lots of new growth coming in. Some yellow leaves have fallen but is being replaced with new growth. Then i noticed a single branch, with a scale like structure on the branch. Not near any leaves. I have not seen this before, and there is no other blight on the tree at all. The leaves do not have any weird discoloration spots or anything. By all accounts the tree is in perfect health. Even this one branch. However it appears to have formed scales. These are the only instance on the whole tree and this pattern bugs me right out.

I can not find anything online that would remotely explain what this is. I have since sprayed the tree and removed the infected branch. I have had this tree for going on 3 years and it does go outside during the warm summer months. and comes in later summer.

This branch is actually very young and these scales are about 1/8" x 1/4" in thickness and are growing on the sides away from the sun.

I would appreciate any feedback

Looks like scale insects all right. You didn't have to remove the branch. Ficus are susceptible to scale insects. Spray with a systemic insecticide. Repeat once or twice a week apart. Unfortunately, it is the small price we pay for putting Ficus outdoors for the summer.
Iris

This was a rather small branch so i wasn't concerned about removing it, but i didn't want to leave it untouched. I did spray the tree down with a insecticidal soap that is especially designed for Scale and other various critters.

I will keep an eye on it. Thank you for the quick turn around.

Thank you

Thats got to be the most orderly, regimented scale, I've ever seen!! Scary stuff!!!!!!

"I'm telling you, Mrs Tweedy. They're organised."

No kidding. Will. I think i stared at them for over 3 hours. There is only 1 instance of them and your looking at them. The tree is over 1.5 feet high and there is only 1 branch that had them...

Thank you everyone.

I'm likely to suffer night terrors for weeks!!! Thanks for that?!!

dusten wrote: I did spray the tree down with a insecticidal soap that is especially designed for Scale and other various critters.
I will keep an eye on it. Thank you for the quick turn around.
Thank you

If you are using insecticidal soap, which is a contact spray, you will need to spray at least three times, a week apart, then watch the tree closely thereafter. Next year, examine the tree carefully just before you bring it in for the fall. You can use a systemic insecticide outdoors without any trouble.
Iris

Unless the tree is infested with critters, I merely squish them and keep a sharp eye out thereafter.