What Is Wrong With My Turmeric Plant?

Are the leaves spotted or blotched?

Are the spots or blotches irregularly shaped, brown, and covering a large portion of the leaf?

Are the leaves yellowing, wilting and, dying?

Are the leaves stippled, reddish or yellowish with fine webbing?

Do the leaves have large, ragged holes in them?

Do the leaves and stems have white, cottony clusters on them?

Irregular brown spots on leaves are caused by a fungal disease - Leaf blotch. Leaf blotch may spread over leaves on the whole tree and even lead to defoliation. To protect your tree clean up and destroy fallen leaves to remove overwintering spores, cut all affected leaves, and destroy them.

Leaf spots are caused by several different species of fungi. Fungi love wet weather, so prevent leaf spots by ensuring good air circulation around your plants. Infected plant parts should be removed and destroyed.

Yellow leaves that wilt and die usually indicate Root or Rhizome rot. These diseases are caused by both fungi and bacterias. Poorly drained, overly wet soil promotes rot so choose well-drained sites and add organic matter to improve drainage. Remove and destroy infected plants. Solarize the soil before replanting.

Reddish to yellowish flecks on leaves and webbed foliage indicate 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.

Large, ragged holes in the leaves are caused by slugs and snails. Slugs and snails feed on the plant leaves usually at night. To control slugs and snails use diatomaceous earth around your plants. You can also handpick them during the night or use shallow dishes filled with beer as a trap.

White, cottony clusters on leaves and stems are caused by mealybugs. These tiny insects are covered with a fluffy white coating. They feed by sucking plants sap. They produce sticky substance honeydew which makes leaves sticky. You can control them by washing them off the plant with water spray. Insecticidal soap should be used with severe infestations.

If your turmeric isn't as vigorous as it used to be, it may need to be divided. Turmeric will perform best if lifted and divided every 5 years to maintain their vigor. In doing so, keep in mind that if you divide the plants when they are too small, they may not flower for a couple of years.