What Is Wrong With My Big Ears Plant?

Are the leaves covered with white powder?

Are the leaves pale on their upper side and are there any dusty blisters on the undersides?

Are there brown to black spots or blotches present on the leaves?

Do the leaves have large, ragged holes in them, mucous trails may be present?

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.

Likely cause for these symptoms is a fungal disease - Rust. Provide good air circulation around plants by thining them. Avoid making leaves wet when watering. All infected leaves should be removed. Spray leaves with sulfur early in the season to prevent rust or to treat mild infections.

Leaf spot diseases are caused by several fungi that thrive on moist leaf surfaces. Brown to black spots develops on the leaves of infected plants. These spots often come together to form larger patches of dead tissue. Pick off and discard infected leaves, and spray the vine foliage every seven to ten days with sulfur. Avoid wetting the foliage while watering the vines. Mulching around plants helps prevent fungi from being splashed up from the ground by rain.

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.

Several species of leaf-feeding caterpillars will feed on the tupelo's leaves. They may also feed on stems and flowers. Handpick and destroy caterpillars, or spray plants with BTK if caterpillars are feeding. Many foliage-feeding caterpillar populations are controlled by general predators, parasites, or naturally occurring viruses.