AusBonsai

Is this red spider mite damage? I have sprayed the tree with Neem Oil mixed with liquid soap and water. Have I done the right thing.

I'd say your biggest problem is focus. Can't really make anything out of that picture?
Azalea lace bug is usually the biggest problem with azaleas. Tiny little bugs so small you can't really see them but make the leaves look all silvery.

Agreed a bit hard to tell. Confidor spray over and under leaves will fix any bugs.
Cheers
Kirky

Sorry about the focus, will try again to post.

hawkeyes wrote:

IMG_1424.jpg

Is this red spider mite damage? I have sprayed the tree with Neem Oil mixed with liquid soap and water. Have I done the right thing.

Hi hawkeyes,
I think shibui is on the money. Looks like Azalea Lace Bug to me. Do as Kirky has suggested. Make sure you really get under all the leaves.

Regards Ray

Thanks guys, I really need help also with learning to take photos.

I guess you used a phone to take the picture.
One problem is the autofocus which picks out what it thinks is the biggest thing near the centre of the photo - in this case, the stem of the plant. Try pointing at a place where there's not too much in the background that can distract the autofocus.
The other issue is depth of field. In low light the camera opens up the aperture wide to capture enough light for a clear picture but that means the focus range is really narrow so anything in front or behind will be out of focus. Try to take closeups in really good light and the depth of field will be slightly wider and more of the shot will be in focus.
Lots of cameras have problems with close shots under 30cm. See if you have a macro setting, usually a flower icon. That setting allows the lens to focus better on really close things and takes better shots.

This recent thread has some info viewtopic.php?f=52&t=22607

In all cases, check the photo before posting to make sure it is ok. I think it is a waste of everyone's time when people can't be bothered and post crappy pictures.

Oh Shibui, thank you. Very helpful with that advice. I will pay more attention with my camera.