What Is Wrong With My Syngonium?

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

Do leaves have water-soaked spots on them?

Are the leaves covered with white powder?

Are there any tan to dark-brown leaf spots with concentric rings and fungal fruiting structures?

Are the leaves yellowing, wilting and, dying?

Are the leaves curled and distorted, sticky to the touch?

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

Are the leaves yellow and the plant looks weakened?

Do the leaves have notched edges?

Are the leaves discolored, fine webbing may be present?

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

Water-soaked spots on leaves are caused by bacterial blight. The copper spray will help in reducing the spread of the disease. If there are no new pods on the plant, you should remove the diseased plants.

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 below to keep foliage dry. Any affected leaves should be cut off and removed. The appropriate fungicidal spray will protect your plant from further infections.

Myrothecium leaf spot causes tan to dark-brown leaf spots with concentric rings and fungal fruiting structures. Do not apply excessive amounts of nitrogen fertilizer. Protect leaves from wounding. Apply a fungicide to protect plants.

Yellow leaves that wilt and die usually indicate 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.

Distorted and sticky leaves and stems 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 only with severe infestations.

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 the 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.

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.

If the leaves have notched edges the culprits are Vine weevils. The wingless, black bugs are adults that feed on the leaves of many plant species. You can get rid of them by handpicking or by gently shaking the plant and collecting fallen beetles. Spray leaves several times with pyrethrin for major infestations.

Spider mites are known to cause problems for Syngonium. 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.

Phosphorus deficiency can cause plants to become stunted. Lower leaves will typically have dead spots. Apply a balanced fertilizer solution to alleviate this problem.