What Is Wrong With My Cineraria?

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

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

Does your plant shows symptoms like pale or reddish leaves, small leaves, defoliation, branch dieback, stunting, and death?

Are the leaves covered with white powder?

Do the leaves have large, ragged holes in them?

Are there any irregular serpentine tunnels in the leaves?

Are the leaves curled and yellow?

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. Plant only pathogen-free seed from a reputable nursery.

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.

Phytophthora root rot is a soilborne disease promoted by wet soil conditions. Once the disease has been introduced to a field then there is no method of treatment. Remove infected plants. Do not plant related plants in the same area.

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.

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.

Tunnels in leaves are caused by leafminers. These tiny fly larvae feed within the leaves in meandering mines that become wider as the larvae grow. Prune off and destroy all infested leaves. Remove debris in fall because it might contain overwintering leafminers. Introducing parasitic wasps is a very effective method of controlling leafminers.

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.

Several viruses are known to infect cineraria plants. These viruses include impatiens necrotic spot, streak, and mosaic viruses. Symptoms of viral diseases are downwardly cupped, mottled, or strap-shaped leaves, and leaves with lines or ringspot patterns. Control thrips and aphids. Destroy all infected plants and eliminate weeds within the growing area.