What Is Wrong With My American Veronica?

Did the leaves become distorted due to excess moisture in the soil?

Are the leaves covered with white powder?

Are the flowers covered with gray mold?

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

Are the leaves mottled with high-intensity red color?

Are the leaves distorted and yellow?

Do the leaves have tan or brown blotches or serpentine tunnels?

Do the leaves have silvery pallor?

Do the leaves have large, ragged holes in them?

If a plant has absorbed more water than it needs, it can cause the plant’s cells to expand and stress. Often, these cells are filled to the point of rupturing. Burst cell damage is called edema. You can check for signs of edema by noticing any blisters or lesions on the plant. Eventually, these lesions will turn to dark or even white scar tissue. Another sign of edema is indentations on the top of the leaves.

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 - Botrytis blight. Other symptoms include brown to black spots that may appear on leaves and petals. You can only prevent Botrytis blight disease by planting in areas with good air circulation. Water plants sparsely. Infected plants should be removed. Spray weekly with a copper fungicide until the disease is under control.

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.

Mottled leaves are caused by Cucumber Mosaic Virus. There is no cure for infected plants. Remove and destroy all plants 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, yellow 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.

These symptoms are usually caused by insects - Leafminers. These tiny pale green fly larvae feed between the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves. Prune off and destroy all infested leaves. Remove debris in fall because it might contain overwintering leafminers. The weekly application of insecticidal soap should keep their numbers low. Also, introducing parasitic wasps is a very effective method of controlling leafminers.

Pale, silvery leaves, and petals are caused by thrips. They hide under leaves and inside flowers. Severely infested plant parts should be pruned off and destroyed. Control thrips by introducing lady beetles or lacewings. Insecticidal soap helps in severe infestations.

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.

Leaves stippled with yellow are caused by spider mites. These tiny, spider-like pests feed by sucking sap from the underside of the plant's leaves. You can control spider mites by spraying plants thoroughly with water 2-3 times a day for several days. For severe infestations, spray plants with insecticidal soap.