Mealybug On Phormium

/Mealybug On Phormium/

Mealybug On Phormium

This is an insect, commonly called Mealybug, feeding on your plant (common name of plant is New Zealand Flax). These insects can be difficult to control on these plants because they feed, as in your photo, down low in the leaves where its hard to reach them and effectively control them. Unfortunately, they can do heavy damage to these plants, and sometimes kill the plant. We've included a link about mealybug to give you more information about how to control them. If you choose to try chemical controls, you will need to be thorough in applying the material, but always follow the label directions to avoid doing further harm to the plant, or other plants and organisms.
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/GARDEN/PLANTS/INVERT/mealybugs.html

By | 2016-03-17T01:48:09-07:00 March 17th, 2016|Plant Pests|0 Comments
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Aphids On Mandevillia

We don't typically see white "sticky stuff" from aphids. Their excrement (called honeydew) is sticky but its clear, like dew drops; it usually will get some black sooty mold growing in it, but haven't see white stuff. If you're positive these are aphids (we can't say for certain from this photo), have you sprayed anything on them? Baking soda in water? This actually looks like salt or hard water deposits (like calcium after the water has evaporated) in some areas, and possibly bird droppings in other areas. You should be able to wash it off, if its any of these things; we recommend you try that in any case and a high pressure wash would also help to control the Aphid population. Here's a link all about Aphids.
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/QT/aphidscard.html

By | 2016-03-16T19:29:13-07:00 March 16th, 2016|Tropical Plants|0 Comments
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Flea Beetles

The insects and the leaf damage look like flea beetles. They are a common pests of cole crops (cauliflower, broccoli, etc) and some other garden and agricultural crop plants. On established plants, their damage is often minor and doesn't affect plant health. Insecticide treatments for flea beetle control vary with the species and the crop. We recommend you seek advice about control strategies that will work for you, if the number of beetles and their damage continues to increase. We've included some web-links with more info. You may also want to seek advice from your local university extension farm/home advisor, a Master Gardener group, or your local garden center professional. http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05592.html

By | 2017-09-11T15:49:19-07:00 March 16th, 2016|Plant Pests|0 Comments
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Morning Glory Problem

Usually when there are plenty of lush leaves and no flowers, it can be the result of fertilizing with a high nitrogen food that encourages foliar growth at the expense of flowers. In this case, however, there are a few flowers but some of the lower leaves are yellowing showing only the green venation. Suggest you switch to a slow-release fertilizer formulated for blooming plants or an organic granular fertilizer. Also morning glory plants do best in full sun, at least 6-8 hours, and regular water especially in containers. Inspect the foliage and stems closely to see if there are signs of sucking insects such as scale, aphids or mealybugs as these suck the nutrients from leaves and stems. Suggest you show your photo to a local garden center for confirmation of the problem and remedies.

By | 2016-03-16T16:02:09-07:00 March 16th, 2016|Vine Plants|0 Comments
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Nandina Heavenly Bamboo

The Nandina family has a wide array of plants. Though named "Heavenly Bamboo" they are actually related to the Barberry family of shrubs. And NOT invasive as some Bamboo can be, but the name is evocative of the gentle and delicate growth habit.
An Evergreen shrub to 6-8 feet (smaller dwarf varieties exist). Many have clusters of small white flowers are followed by bright red berries. Foliage turns red or purplish in colder months. Appreciates some shade in hottest climates.
Proper pruning technique keeps this wonderful shrub looking great. Prune a few of the older woody canes at ground level about every 3-5 years, do not prune the top growth. Fertilize with an all purpose slow release organic fertilizer in spring to encourage the most colorful growth.

By | 2016-03-16T15:07:22-07:00 March 16th, 2016|Shrubs|0 Comments
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Pansy Problem With Yellow Leaves

The description of mushy leaves and the yellowing leaves may be the result of a root/crown rot, a fungal disease common to pansies caused by a Phytothera or Fusarium fungi. It is soil borne and infects the roots at the base of the plant. If the plant flops over when pushed lightly, this may be the problem. Plants may wilt and suddenly die or the leaves may simply turn yellow. A dark sunken area may be seen on the stem at or near the soil line. Roots may appear rotted. Some plants may survive but remain weak and stunted. If these are the symptoms, suggest you dispose of the plant and the soil in the trash, sterilize the container with one part bleach to 10 parts water and start over. Show your photo to a local garden center for confirmation of the problem.

By | 2016-03-16T14:30:48-07:00 March 16th, 2016|Annuals|1 Comment
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Chewing Insect

The problem is likely chewing insects rather than sucking insects. Perhaps some type of beetle or caterpillar?You can spray with an organic control effective against chewing insects such as Bt or Spinosad. Once the leaves and flowers are damaged, they will not recover but try to control future infestation. Bt is a contact insecticide and Spinosad has a 7-10 day residual. Spray Spinosad in the early evening after the bees have returned to their hives. Once the spray has dried on the plant it is safe for beneficials. There are also chemical formulations that are effective controls for roses, but suggest you show your photo or perhaps capture a few in a bottle for a local garden center to confirm their identity and suggest a remedy.

By | 2016-03-16T14:02:02-07:00 March 16th, 2016|Perennials|0 Comments
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Japanese Beetles

We can't tell from this photo if it's a Japanese beetle or a close relative. Pluck off all you can, spray the plants with a control for chewing insects such as Spinosad or another contact insecticide), and treat the soil for grubs, the larval stage of beetles. You will need to break up the life cycle to keep it from repeating. This is a very troublesome pest and can really damage a plant if you don't get rid of it fast. Good luck!

Since beetles fly away when they feel threatened, we suggest the following method for hand removal. Fill a small bowl with equal parts dishwashing liquid and water; mix it together. Hold it beneath the beetle and knock the beetle off into the bowl. The beetle will get stuck and not be able to fly away.

By | 2016-03-16T13:56:21-07:00 March 16th, 2016|Plant Pests|0 Comments
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Tanzanian Zipper Plant

Euphorbia anoplia, native to Africa, is a short, chunky green plant forming dense clusters. Known as "Zipper Plant" because of patterns along margins of angled stems that resemble a "zipper". Responds well to warmth, with its active growth period in the late spring and summer months. Porous soil with adequate drainage. Water thoroughly when soil is dry to the touch during active growing season. Requires bright light for best appearance, and should be given a winter resting period at which time less water should be given. Protect from frost. All Euphorbias contain a white sap that can be irritating to eyes and mucous membranes. If contact is made with this white sap, take care to not touch face or eyes before washing hands with soap and water.

By | 2016-03-16T11:35:22-07:00 March 16th, 2016|Succulents|0 Comments
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Clivia

The strap-shaped foliage and the flowers resembles a Clivia miniata, a perennial from tuberous rhizomes. Native to South Africa, it bears primarily orange, red, or yellow clusters of funnel-shaped flowers on stalks that emerge above the clumps of foliage in late winter-spring. Following the spent flowers, seed head berries appear that typically ripen to red-orange or yellow. Does not tolerate much frost and, when grown outdoors, it needs partial to full shade, regular water, and a slow-release fertilizer formulated for blooming plants. It should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry. Does not like to be transplanted so leave in place as long as possible. Indoors needs bright, indirect light and water when the soil feels dry to the touch down to the first knuckle.

By | 2016-03-16T09:16:39-07:00 March 16th, 2016|Perennials|0 Comments
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