What Is Wrong With My Gloriosa?

Are the leaves greenish-yellow and the growth rate is poor?

Are there any small translucent spots on leaves, spots later turn black?

Do the leaves have pale areas on upper surfaces and "downy" patches underneath?

Are the leaves covered with white powder?

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

Are the leaves curled and distorted?

Are the leaves stippled and distorted?

Are the leaves discolored, fine webbing may be present?

Do the leaves have large, ragged holes in them?

Greenish yellow, strap-shaped leaves followed by a poor growth is caused by Aster yellows disease. There is no cure for Aster yellows, so the infected plants should be destroyed. Prevent the disease by controlling leafhoppers. Spray the plants with the insecticidal soap 3 times, once every 3 days.

Bacterial leaf spot causes circular translucent spots scattered over the leaf surface between the veins. 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.

Pale areas on upper surfaces of the leaves and "downy" patches underneath are caused by Downy mildew. This fungus spreads quickly during cool, wet nights and warm, humid days. Leaves will wilt and die. Remove and destroy all affected plant parts and encourage good air circulation around plants by thining them. Water plants early in the morning to make sure they dry before nightfall.

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 fungicidal spray will protect your plant from further infections.

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.

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.

Aster leafhoppers are greenish-yellow, tiny insects that feed on leaf undersides, giving the foliage a finely mottled look. Leaves yellow, shrivel and drop. Besides injury from feeding, leafhoppers transmit the disease aster yellows. Use water or insecticidal soap sprays to dislodge nymphs. Encourage enemies such as big-eyed bugs and parasitic wasps. For control of severe infestations, spray plants with neem or pyrethrin.

Spider mites are known to cause problems for gloriosa daisies. 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.

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.

If the flowers of your gloriosa daisy are deformed the culprits are Tarnished plant bugs. These insects inject a plant-deforming toxin as they feed on young leaves. Trap them with white sticky traps or treat plants with a commercial pyrethrin spray or dust in the evening to control severe infestations. The best way to prevent this pest is through a thorough fall and spring cleanup. This will prevent it from overwintering.