What is wrong with my Aphelandra squarrosa?

Are the flowers covered with gray mold, leaves may be blotched or discolored?

Are there any circular, reddish-purple spots on leaves that grow and spread rapidly?

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

Do the roots and crowns have dark brown spots at the soil level?

Are the roots dark brown, the plant is wilting, yellowing, and dying?

Are the leaves distorted and yellow?

Are the leaves yellow and the plant looks weakened?

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

Are the leaves covered in coarse stippling and may appear silvery?

Are the leaves stippled, reddish or yellowish with fine webbing?

Are the leaves covered with small bumps?

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.

Corynespora leaf spot is a fungal infection common in the southern states and more humid areas of the United States. When the spots enlarge, the dead center becomes brown as the leaf dies. Spray infected plants with copper and/or sulfur to prevent further disease development. Plant only pathogen-free seed from a reputable nursery.

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.

These symptoms indicate fungal disease Phytophthora Root and Crown Rot. Phytophthora pathogens are favored by wet conditions, and the risk of disease can be reduced with good water management. The disease tends to affect plants in poorly drained areas, where susceptible plants are surrounded by standing water or saturated soil for prolonged periods. Provide adequate drainage and know the water needs of individual plants.

These symptoms indicate a fungal disease - Pythium Root Rot. Do not overwater plants. Remove affected plants and their roots, and discard surrounding soil. Plant only in the pasteurized soil. Hold back on fertilizing too. Keep hose ends off the ground. Apply a copper-based fungicide to protect plants.

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.

Yellow leaves and stunted look are caused by whiteflies. These tiny, mothlike flies and their larvae feed by sucking plant juices. 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.

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. You can control them by washing them off the plant with water spray. Insecticidal soap should be used with severe infestations.

These symptoms may indicate thrips. Thrips are tiny, yellow to black flying insects. 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.

Reddish to yellowish flecks on leaves and webbed foliage indicate 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, or pyrethrin as a last resort.

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.

If there's chewing damage on the roots the culprits are fungus gnats larvae. Allow your plant’s soil to dry out between waterings. The larvae will not thrive when the soil starts to dry out. Neem oil sprayed on the soil’s surface and the plant can help keep adults away.