Poinsetta - Knowledgebase Question - Garden.org

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?

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).

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