Why Is My Catnip Not Thriving?

Are the leaves discolored, fine webbing may be present?

Are the leaves curled and distorted?

Are the leaves covered in coarse stippling and may appear silvery?

Are the leaves yellow and the plant looks weakened?

Are there any small, necrotic flecks on leaves that develop a chlorotic halo and expand into tan brown necrotic spots?

Are there any small, angular, gray-brown spots with defined red-brown margins on leaves?

Do the leaves have small, water-soaked spots?

Are the leaves yellowing, wilting and, dying?

Are the leaves riddled with small holes?

Spider mites are known to cause problems for catnip. 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.

Distorted and 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.

These symptoms indicate thrips. Thrips are tiny, yellow to black flying insects. They hide under the leaves. Severely infected plant parts should be removed and destroyed. Control thrips by introducing lady beetles or lacewings, their natural predators. Insecticidal soap helps in 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.

Cercospora leaf blight is caused by a fungus that can be introduced through infected seed and spread by wind or water splash. Plant only pathogen-free seed from a reputable nursery. Apply copper-based foliar fungicide if the disease emerges. Keep the area clean and be sure to dispose of plant debris.

These symptoms indicate fungal disease - Septoria leaf spot. Remove and destroy infected plant debris. Don't handle or brush against plants when they are wet. Rotate plantings. Remove weeds growing nearby.

Bacterial leaf spot causes circular water-soaked spots on leaves. These spots turn brownish-black and may spread to form large patches of dead tissue. To prevent the spread of this disease, avoid working around wet plants. Remove and destroy affected parts. Spray Bordeaux mix on remaining plants.

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.

Small holes in leaves are caused by Flea beetles. These tiny, black, brown, or bronze beetles hop when disturbed. Larvae are small and white, feed mostly on the undersides of leaves. Prevent problems by covering young plants with row cover. Control severe infestations by spraying or dusting plants with pyrethrin.

Most cats love catnip and they are frequently to blame for catnip plants not thriving. If this is the case, you can cat-proof the plant by surrounding it with wire fencing. Be sure the holes are small enough that cats can’t reach through and grab the leaves. An old birdcage makes a decorative enclosure for a catnip plant.