Considerations

• Plant the bottlebrush tree in full sunlight with well-draining soil to help prevent root rot from occurring. If the tree's root system is exposed to excessively wet soil for an extended period, the roots begin to rot, which can result in the tree's death.
  
  

Pest Identification

• Spider mites can colonize on a tree's new growth. The small mites appear as red, brown, yellow or green dots on the stems and leaves of the tree. They produce a fine web-like covering that gardeners may notice. The mites use their sharp, piercing mouths to suck the tree's nutrients. Remove the mites using a heavy stream of water weekly or utilize an insecticide or insecticidal soap to control infestations.
  
  

Warning

• The most serious problem to afflict the weeping bottlebrush tree is Sphaeropsis gall, a fungus that spreads through spores during humid weather or on infected gardening tools. Round growths form on the tree's branches, and the tree's foliage suffers severe dieback. There is no treatment. Promptly remove infected areas and dispose of them. If the tree is badly infected it will eventually die.