Hi, I have a nice plant of Damien in a large pot sunk in the garden. This spring it has been blooming nicely, and put up a gigantic new stem with huge lush leaves back in March.

That stem stopped at about 3ft, and now it is putting on little narrow leaves that are curled at the edges. The big leaves are crepe-y and are a mottled, sickly color. Usually the only problem has been spider mites, but I can't see any here.

Anyone have an idea what's going on, and/or what I can do about it? I haven't changed anything about it's care except to increase water as the weather got warmer. Sorry for the lousy pics, the light was giving me fits. in the second pic, the yellow flowers are on a smaller Charles Grimaldi sitting next to this plant. There's also a Frosty Pink behind that one. They look fine, so far.

Looks like broad or cyclamen mites.The bad news is,those are tough to get rid of.I strip ALL leaves off mine and soak the plant good with soapy water.Repeat the soapy water every few days for at least three applications.
Others,who use chemicals,may have an easier solution.

Thanks! I'll try the soap remedy first. Prefer not to resort to chemicals unless I have to. All the leaves, huh? Phew!

I use Bifen XTS 32 oz Insecticide. It works great, Wish there were one for slugs that works as well. And the price is about $35.00

Ok, thanks. If the drastic soap regimen fails, I will get some. I have quite a few brugs, so it might be worth the price.

Rhapsody616 said:I use Bifen XTS 32 oz Insecticide. It works great, Wish there were one for slugs that works as well. And the price is about $35.00

I am not familiar with this product.Make sure the label says it works for mites.Remember,mites aren't insects, they are arachnids.I need to find this and check it out.A quick fix would help sometimes.

Oh my goodness JT. It works so nicely. It does kill spider mites. Here is a link to the Label:

http://www.domyownpestcontrol....

I was very happy with the product. I think I read somewhere that I needed to rotate products. But this is so effective I wonder if there is a spider mite left in Long Beach! It doesn't cost a whole lot and I think it will be worth your while.

Rhapsody

Rhapsody616 said:Oh my goodness JT. It works so nicely. It does kill spider mites. Here is a link to the Label:

http://www.domyownpestcontrol....

I was very happy with the product. I think I read somewhere that I needed to rotate products. But this is so effective I wonder if there is a spider mite left in Long Beach! It doesn't cost a whole lot and I think it will be worth your while.

Rhapsody

Thanks for the tip.I will try to find some locally.Some products are effective against both critters.Triazicide comes to mind but I do not know if it works on broad mites.