What Is Wrong With My Leucothoe?

Are there any dark spots on leaves?

Are there any angular or circular green to gray spots with brown borders on leaves?

Do the leaves have any small circular or irregularly shaped dry spots that are gray to straw in color?

Are the plants stunted, leaves are turning yellow and wilting as branches die?

Are the leaves covered with white powder?

Are the leaves covered with small bumps?

Are the leaves pale and mottled?

Cylindrocladium leaf spot causes dark spots to form on leaves. Lesions on stems can girdle and kill them. Destroy infected leaves or plants. Spray plants with sulfur to prevent the disease from spreading, especially if the weather is wet. Prevent problems by thinning plants to provide good air circulation.

These symptoms indicate a fungal disease - Cercospora leaf spot. This fungal disease only occurs in very warm climates. Spots develop a “frog-eye” appearance with light centers and dark edges. Spray plants with copper as soon as symptoms appear to prevent further symptom development.

These symptoms indicate a fungal disease - Anthracnose. Keep plants dry when watering to prevent spread. Spray plants with copper when the first fruit develops if you have had problems in the past. Bordeaux mixture can also help to protect the plant from the disease.

Cylindrocladium root rot causes plants to become stunted. Leaves turn yellow and wilt as branches die. Many dark-brown to black lesions form on roots, enlarge, and girdle roots. Longitudinal cracks may develop in the stem at the soil line. Don't overwater. Avoid overhead irrigation. Apply fungicide as a soil drench.

Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that usually appears in damp places. Encourage good air circulation around the affected 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.

Leaves covered by small bumps are caused by scales. These tiny, shelled insects often feed on the undersides of the leaves, causing an unhealthy appearance with yellowish blotches on the upper leaf surfaces. Scrape off minor infestations with your fingernail. Prune out badly infested growth, or use a soft brush and soapy water to gently scrub the scales off the stems. Control scales by spraying insecticidal oil during the growing season.

Lace bugs are flat, dark-colored insects with lacelike wings that feed on the undersides of leaves. They cause leaves to turn yellow, then brown, and eventually die. Treat plants with a commercial pyrethrin spray or dust if the damage is severe. Prevent problems by covering plants with row cover until they blossom.

Over-fertilization may cause fronds to have many lobes and indentations, also tips of fronds and leaflets may turn brown and die. Reduce the amount of fertilizer being used and leach the pots if you're growing it in containers.