Why Do My Pink Carnations Look Unhealthy?

Are the leaves of your pink carnations stippled, reddish or yellowish with fine webbing?

Are the leaves, buds and stems distorted and sticky with clusters of small insects?

Are the leaves and flowers greenish-yellow, distorted and with spindly new growth?

Are the surfaces of the leaves pale with powdery orange spots on the leaves' undersides?

Are the plants wilting with rotted stems at soil level?

Reddish to yellowish flecks on leaves and webbed foliage is caused by spider mites. These tiny, spider-like pests feed by sucking sap from the underside of the plants leaves causing yellow flecking on the upper leaf surfaces. You can control spider mites by spraying plants thoroughly with water 2-3 times a day for several days. For severe infestations, spray plants with insecticidal soap, or pyrethrin as a last resort.

Distorted leaves, stems and buds are caused by aphids. These tiny insects can vary in color, green, pink, black, gray to completely white. They cluster under leaves and on growing tips where they feed on plant sap. Leaves, stems, and buds get distorted and later leaves and flowers drop from the plant. You can control them by washing them off the plant with water spray. Insecticidal soap should be used with severe infestations.

The most likely causes for these symptoms are viral diseases. Several viruses may infect pink carnations. All viral diseases are incurable so you should discard and destroy all infected plants, do not compost them. Control aphids and leafhoppers as they are most likely carriers of viruses.

The likely cause for these symptoms is a fungal disease - Rust. Provide good air circulation around plants by thining them. Avoid getting the leaves wet when watering. All infected leaves should be removed. Spray leaves with sulfur early in the season to prevent rust or to treat mild infections.

These symptoms are caused by fungal and bacterial rots. Pink carnations are susceptible to various diseases that cause plants to wilt or rot. Prevent problems by planting in well-drained sites. Avoid overwatering and overcrowding. Keep mulch away from stem bases. Remove and destroy infected plants, do not compost them.

Some environmental issues or poor growing conditions may have caused your pink carnations to look unhealthy. They love full sun but can tolerate light shade. If the temperatures are too high they may become unhealthy. The soil should be always kept moist, but not flooded or soggy. New growth is encouraged by cutting plants back at the end of the blossoming season.