What Is Wrong With My Gomphrenas?

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

Are the flowers covered with gray mold, leaves may be blotched or discolored?

Are the leaves mottled with dark green?

Are the leaves curled and distorted?

Did the leaves become distorted due to excess moisture in the soil?

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.

Gray mold on flowers is probably caused by fungal disease - Botrytis blight. You can prevent Botrytis blight disease by planting in areas with good air circulation. Water plants sparsely. Severely infected plants should be removed. Spray weekly with a copper fungicide until the disease is under control.

Mottled or streaked leaves are caused by Mosaic Virus. There is no cure for infected plants. Remove and destroy all flowers that have the symptoms of the mosaic virus. Mosaic virus is spread by aphids, so the best way of preventing the disease is to control these insects.

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.

If a plant has absorbed more water than it needs, it can cause the plant’s cells to expand and stress. Often, these cells are filled to the point of rupturing. Burst cell damage is called edema. You can check for signs of edema by noticing any blisters or lesions on the plant. Eventually, these lesions will turn to dark or even white scar tissue. Another sign of edema is indentations on the top of leaves.

Thrips are tiny needle-thin insects that are black or straw-colored. They suck the juices of plants and attack flower petals, leaves, and stems. The plant will have a stippling, discolored flecking or silvering of the leaf surface. Thrips can spread many diseases from plant to plant. Control thrips by introducing lady beetles or lacewings, their natural predators. Insecticidal soap helps in severe infestations.