My daisy tree(green leaf euryops) grows well in a full sun spot after I planted it in this Jan. But recently I notice some of the leaves brown and dead and giving more water and adding mulch cause the weather turned hot (85F). After one week it doesn't seem recover and the flower become smaller and smaller and almost no new blooms. And I start to notice there are some white stuff on the stem and leaves. Are these fungus? (I remember the plant label says it is fungus free.)

I have some of this Neem oil for other plant treatment. Does this work for daisy? Do I need to apply other treatment?
https://www.homedepot.com/p/So...

Remove the mulch because its holding on to too much moisture. Only use mulch when its the hottest time of the year and never in spring because spring is the rainy season and there's a lot of rain. Maybe as much as 3 to 10 inches a month depending on where one lives. And you have a cool low temps which doesn't help evaporation either. Keep the soil loose around the base of the plant with a hand cultivator. Keep it loose after every rain or watering and it should do fine.

Thanks Luke! I've already removed the mulch and sprayed some fungicide. Hope it will recover soon. BTW: do you know why the flower is smaller and smaller? May I apply some all purpose fertilizer now? mira-grow 12-4-8 or 10-10-10?

After removed the mulch the soil top dry to touch after 2-3 days. And inside also show very low humidity when I use the measure. Should I water it right away or wait for another one or two days?