Why Does My Statice Look Unhealthy?

Are there any necrotic lesions on leaves, leaves, and branches that are dying back?

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

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?

Are the leaves discolored, fine webbing may be present?

Do the leaves and stems have white, cottony clusters on them?

Are there singular, or closely grouped circular to irregularly shaped holes in the foliage?

These symptoms indicate a fungal disease - Anthracnose. Avoid stressing plants by providing them with adequate irrigation and fertilization. Avoid damaging plants and creating wounds for pathogens to enter. Prune out dead or dying limbs to reduce levels of disease inoculum.

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.

Cercospora leaf blight is caused by a fungus that can be introduced through an 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.

Spider mites are known to cause problems for statice. 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.

White, cottony clusters on leaves and stems are caused by mealybugs. These tiny insects are covered with a fluffy white coating. They feed by sucking plants sap. They produce sticky substance honeydew which makes leaves sticky. You can control them by washing them off the plant with water spray. Insecticidal soap should be used with severe infestations.

Armyworm is a known pest of statice plants. This insect can go through 3–5 generations a year. Organic methods of controlling armyworms include biological control by natural enemies that parasitize the larvae and the application of BTK spray (Bacillus thuringiensis).

Thrips are tiny, yellow to black flying insects that cause stippling, discolored flecking or silvering of the leaf surface. 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.