Poinsetta - Knowledgebase Question

Annuals
Perennials
Tropical Plants
Sturgis, MI (Zone 5B)
Question by lizdillon
November 25, 2006
I have my poinsetta outside and it's 2 years old. Some of the leaves are shrinking up and others have small white dots on top and tannish brown underneath. It was beautiful last year and is about the size of a small bush. What can I do to fix this problem?


Image
Answer from NGA
November 25, 2006

0

 It's really difficult to diagnose a plant problem without seeing it. Here are the most common poinsettia problems; perhaps this information will help you determine just what is wrong with your plant. Poinsettias may be affected by crown, collar and root rot, caused by Pythium sp., Rhizoctonia sp., Thielaviopsis sp. and Phytophthora sp. Overwatering or poorly drained potting soil can encourage these fungi. To avoid, use well draining potting soil and allow the top of the soil to dry out between waterings.

The most common insect pest of poinsettias is whitefly. Inspect the undersides of leaves regularly for clumps of eggs and greenish, transparent larvae. Use sticky yellow traps or a small vacuum to remove adults. Use insecticidal soap as a last resort (it can distort the bracts).

You must be signed in before you can post questions or answers. Click here to join!

« Return to the Garden Knowledgebase Homepage

Member Login:

[ Join now ]

Garden.org Homepage
Help using the site
About
Contact
Terms of Service
Privacy
Memberlist
Acorns
Links
Ask a Question
Getting Started Gardening
Newsletter
NGA Merch

© 1972 - 2021 National Gardening Association

Times are presented in US Central Standard Time

Pinterest
Facebook
Youtube
Twitter
Instagram

Today's site banner is by lauriemorningglory and is called "Sunset in the Niobrara Valley"

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.