Professional gardener Jamie McMurray provides tips on diagnosing and treating some common indoor-plant illnesses.
Leaf spot/black spots
Brown, moist spots that appear on the foliage of citrus, roses and other susceptible plants, which are caused by both bacteria and fungi, can merge and destroy the affected leaves. Remove and destroy affected leaves, spray with fungicide and keep on the dry side for several weeks.
Powdery mildew
A fungus that grows on the surface of leaves and spots or coats them a with a white, powdery deposit, this disease is not fatal, but it can be disfiguring and can spread. Remove badly mildewed leaves and spray the plant with fungicide. Also, dust the leaves with sulfur and improve ventilation around the plant.
Spider mites
These sap-sucking pests infest the underside of the leaves of nearly all houseplants growing in hot, dry conditions, speckling the upper surface with yellow blotches and causing leaves to fall prematurely. White webbing is also sometimes visible. Daily misting helps prevent this problem. Spray with soapy water as soon as the first signs are detected.
Scale
Small brown discs attached to the underside of leaves and branches, especially along the veins, indicate scale infestation. Wipe the discs away with a damp cloth or a baby wipe, then cover the plant with insecticidal soap. Don't let this infestation get out of hand--treat immediately!
General care tips
To keep these and other problems from occurring in the first place, occasionally sponge the leaves of your plants with tepid water to remove dust. Don't, however, sponge plants with furry leaves--spray lightly with water instead. Sponging also helps to remove some harmful insects.
Watering washes plant food out of drainage holes. Unless you consistently replace this food, the plants will not remain healthy. Provide your plants with good spacing and ventilation, and don't allow water to remain sitting on the leaves. (Spacing helps keep infections from spreading to other plants.)
Guests Jamie McMurray
Landscaper/Owner
Simply Green Landscape Design and Installation
Phone: 310-403-1925
Fax: 310-388-1019
E-mail:
smplygrn@aol.com
Website:
www.simplygreeninc.org
Also in this Episode
