Just Wondering If My Soursop Tree Is Healthy And What I Can Do To Help It Flower

Question

have had this tree for about 6 years. every year it loses it’s leaves and grows back a bit bigger. it does seem to have an ant problem and scales (i assume the ants are harvesting the scales). just wondering what is the best thing i can do to help the tree fruit? i live in the north coast of NSW, in a coastal town, high up. very warm and wet where other tropical plants seem to be doing well. temperature in winter doesn’t really get below 8 Celsius i’ve attached photos. can you please let me know what you think. thanks

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Answer 1

You need to try and get rid of the scale. They will just multiply and can jeopardize your tree. The ants are eating the honeydew the scale produces. Ants also pollinate the trees. Some reasons a tree won't fruit include pollination problems, too much nitrogen fertilizer, (I see your tree is in the lawn. Are you giving the lawn nitrogen? Tree may be getting some.), and not enough sun. Mulch your tree well. It has shallow roots that can dry out easily.

Here are some articles that should help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/soursop/soursop-tree-care.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/what-is-armored-scale.htm