Managing Red Turnip Beetles in Home Gardens

Managing Red Turnip Beetles in Home Gardens A gardener asks how to control red turnip beetles and how dangerous they are. About Red Turnip Beetles Entomoscelis americana adults are bright red with black markings. Larvae

Troubleshooting Leaf Curl and Droop in Newly Potted Habanero

Troubleshooting Leaf Curl and Droop in Newly Potted Habanero A habanero plant in a small greenhouse in Melbourne (autumn) shows upward leaf curl and droop after repotting. Habanero in greenhouse Likely Environmental S

Diagnosing Yellow Patches on Habanero Pepper Leaves

Diagnosing Yellow Patches on Habanero Pepper Leaves A gardener in Melbourne, Australia, notices a yellow patch on a habanero leaf in a greenhouse during autumn cooling. Yellow patch on habanero leaf Possible Causes P

Distinguishing Phytophthora Root Rot from Psorosis in Citrus

Distinguishing Phytophthora Root Rot from Psorosis in Citrus A grower asks for the difference between Phytophthora bark infection and psorosis in citrus, and the best treatment for each. Phytophthora Root and Crown Rot

Controlling Nipple Galls on Alstonia Trees Without Neem

Controlling Nipple Galls on Alstonia Trees Without Neem A gardener with four young Alstonia trees (6–7 ft) has nipple galls on 70–80% of leaves. Neem is unavailable locally. Understanding Nipple Galls Galls are abnormal

Lichen Growth on Rose of Sharon: Harmless or Harmful?

Lichen Growth on Rose of Sharon: Harmless or Harmful? A rose of Sharon tree has lots of moss-like growth on the trunk. The owner asks if it can be pulled off and how to prevent it. Its Not Moss—Its Lichen Lichens are a s

Diagnosing Lace-Like Leaf Damage on Hibiscus

Diagnosing Lace-Like Leaf Damage on Hibiscus One of eight hibiscus shrubs (recently hard-pruned) shows new leaves with a lace-like pattern—tissue eaten between veins—and some browning. The overall shrub looks healthy.

Identifying Black Spots on Bougainvillea Leaves

Identifying Black Spots on Bougainvillea Leaves A bougainvillea bush developed black droppings on some leaves. The plant otherwise looks healthy. Black spots on leaf Entire plant Diagnosis Steps Rub test: Try to r

Solving Cucumber Fruit Drop: Pollination and Heat Stress

Solving Cucumber Fruit Drop: Pollination and Heat Stress A gardener in Croatia (summer highs 33–42°C / 91–108°F) experienced massive fruit drop: tiny cucumbers turned yellow, shriveled, and fell off. Seven vines produced

Managing Internal Decay in Mature Fruitless Mulberry Trees

Managing Internal Decay in Mature Fruitless Mulberry Trees A 30-year-old fruitless mulberry (trunk circumference 76 inches, height ~40 ft) has several dead branches but 90% of the canopy appears healthy. An old pruning w

Caring for Bromeliads After the Bloom Fades

Caring for Bromeliads After the Bloom Fades A bromeliad received as a gift bloomed beautifully for two months, but the red flower has now turned brown. The leaves remain healthy. Is This Normal? Yes. The flower (actually

Bromeliad Bloom Cycle: What to Expect After Flowering

Bromeliad Bloom Cycle: What to Expect After Flowering A bromeliad owner in Alabama enjoyed a beautiful red bloom for two months, but it has now turned brown while the leaves remain green and healthy. This Is Normal! Brom

Understanding Bark Damage on Pin Oak Trees

Understanding Bark Damage on Pin Oak Trees A homeowner noticed deep holes and fissures in the bark of a single pin oak (Quercus palustris) among a group of 40 trees. The tree appears otherwise healthy and matches its sib

Diagnosing White Blotches on Desert Rose Branches

Diagnosing White Blotches on Desert Rose Branches A gardener with 10-year-old desert rose (Adenium obesum) plants noticed white blotches on the branches. The plants are otherwise large and healthy. Possible Causes Envir

Eradicating Tobacco Mosaic Virus from Your Growing Area

Eradicating Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) from Your Growing Area Tobacco mosaic virus is one of the most persistent plant viruses. A gardener with a 20x20 ft screened grow room and a separate starter room faced recurring TM

Identifying and Managing Fire Blight on Chanticleer Pear Trees

Identifying and Managing Fire Blight on Chanticleer Pear Trees A homeowner noticed clumps of dying leaves on two young Chanticleer pear trees (about 12 feet tall). Upon opening curled leaves, light greenish-yellow spider

Reviving Dwarf Meyer Lemon and Lime Trees: Solving Leaf Discoloration and Fruit Drop

Reviving Dwarf Meyer Lemon and Lime Trees: Solving Leaf Discoloration and Fruit Drop Growing citrus in containers indoors can be rewarding, but it comes with challenges—especially in cold climates like Montana. A gardene

Ponytail Palm Crown Rot: Fungicide and Drainage Correction

Houseplant ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) in Seattle developed brown crown areas after heavy watering during a heat wave. Ponytail palm houseplant Diagnosis Crown rot (primary) or sun scorch (unlikely indoors). S

Red Apple Ground Cover Replacement for Shady Hillside

Red apple (Aptenia cordifolia) dying on steep, shady San Diego hillside under silver oak and pepper trees. Owner seeks fungal-resistant replacements. Initial Recommendations (Sunny Assumption) Perennial grasses (mow in

Japanese Maple Honeydew and Sooty Mold: Aphid or Scale Infestation

8-year-old Japanese maple in NE England suddenly has sticky residue on 30% of leaves. No prior history. Three other maples unaffected. Diagnosis Sticky substance = honeydew from sap-sucking insects: aphids (mobile, on l