Why Are My Celosia Flowers Dying?

Are there any small, round reddish-brown spots with white to gray centers formed on the upper surface of the leaves?

Are the seedlings dying and the stems are girdled or rotted at soil line?

Are the leaves covered with white powdery growth?

Are the leaves yellowing, wilting and, dying?

Do the leaves have large, ragged holes in them?

Are the leaves curled and yellow?

Are the leaves yellow and the plant looks weakened?

Are the leaves discolored, fine webbing may be present?

Are the leaves eaten or chewed?

These symptoms indicate Alternaria leaf spot. Warm, wet conditions favor this fungal disease. Spray infected plants with copper and/or sulfur to prevent further disease development. Avoid getting water on the foliage. Remove infected plant parts and do not work around wet plants. Provide plenty of air circulation.

If your seedlings are falling over and the stems are girdled or rotted at the soil line, the most likely cause is a damping-off disease. Remove and destroy all infected plants. To prevent damping-off let the soil surface dry between waterings, thin seedlings to avoid overcrowding and do not add nitrogen fertilizers until plants have developed leaves.

White, powdery patches on the leaves are caused by a fungal disease Powdery mildew. Powdery mildew usually appears in damp places. Encourage good air circulation around the affected plants by thining them and any surrounding plants. Water plants from bellow to keep foliage dry. Any affected leaves should be cut off and removed. The appropriate commercial fungicidal spray will protect your plant from further infections.

Yellow leaves that wilt and die usually indicate fungal or bacterial Root rot disease. 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.

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.

Distorted, curled leaves are caused by aphids. These tiny insects 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.

Yellow leaves and stunted look are caused by whiteflies. These tiny, mothlike flies and their larvae feed by sucking plant juices. Whiteflies secrete honeydew, a sugary substance that makes leaves sticky to the touch. Control whiteflies by eliminating garden weeds and by introducing green lacewings in the garden. Spray infested plants with insecticidal soap every 3 days for 2 weeks.

Spider mites are known to cause problems for celosia. Hose off plants when symptoms first appear. A strong stream knocks mites off plants and may give control. Introduce predatory mites. For severe infestations, spray plants with insecticidal soap or pyrethrin.

If the leaves have been eaten or chewed, most likely culprits are rabbits. These animals usually feed on the young shoots. Barriers provide the most reliable long-term protection from rabbits.

Yellow, stunted plants and roots that have swollen galls indicate root-knot nematodes. Other symptoms are plants wilting during bright, hot days. Prevent root-knot nematodes by applying chitin or introducing parasitic nematodes to the soil before planting. Solarizing the soil also helps in preventing root-knot nematodes.