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All the new growth is stunted. I was told it could be a thrip of some kind. Any help would be appreciated as I planted this to replace my Ficus.enter image description here

ScapingBy
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  • Is it in a pot or in the ground? What part of the world are you in? Have you examined the plant closely, including backs of leaves and stems (preferably with a magnifying glass) to check for insect infestation? – Bamboo Oct 20 '19 at 18:04

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There are at least three things to consider: herbicides, insects and availability of water. Let's take the last first - why did the Ficus have to go? If it was because of dry soil then a buttonwood will be a backward step since buttonwood is more associated with mangrove and wetlands than a dry spot. Once the initial flush of growth is over it will require water. A number of insects can be responsible and that you can find by close inspection of the foliage and roots. As for herbicides, this should be easy to consider since presumably you would have intimate knowledge of whether any roundup or broadleaf weed killers have been used, or even fertilizers for grass containing herbicides.

Colin Beckingham
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