Celosia Seedling Distortion: Leafminer or Malformation

Leafminer Damage

Distorted tops with white spots on 3-week seedlings in unsterilized mix = leafminer larvae tunneling in leaves. Cosmetic; rarely kills.

Management

• No spray needed—larvae are inside leaves.
• Remove worst leaves.
• Next crop: use sterile mix; monitor for adult flies.

Alternative

Simple genetic malformation also possible. Either way, most plants outgrow it.