As a Calibrachoa plant, my vibrant, cascading blooms are my pride, but I am susceptible to several diseases that can compromise my health and beauty. Understanding these ailments from my perspective is key to maintaining my vitality.
From my roots upward, this is one of my greatest threats. It often begins in overly saturated soil where my roots cannot breathe. The pathogens Pythium and Phytophthora thrive in these conditions, attacking my root system. I feel my roots turn soft, brown, and mushy, losing their ability to absorb water and nutrients. This distress travels to my stems, which become dark and wilted, often leading to my sudden collapse and death. The key to my survival is well-draining soil and careful watering that allows my roots to stay moist but not waterlogged.
This fungal disease affects my above-ground parts, particularly my leaves. It manifests as a white, powdery coating on my leaf surfaces. This substance is actually fungal spores that block sunlight, hindering my photosynthesis. I feel my leaves becoming stressed, often turning yellow or purple before curling and dying prematurely. Good air circulation around my foliage is my best defense, as it creates an environment where the fungus struggles to establish itself. Overcrowding me with other plants significantly increases my risk.
Botrytis cinerea is a fungus that attacks me, especially in cool, humid, and wet conditions. It typically targets my aging flowers, injured stems, or dead foliage. I first show signs as water-soaked spots on my petals and leaves, which quickly develop into a characteristic fuzzy, grayish-brown mold. This disease can rapidly spread through my entire canopy, causing widespread blighting and rot. For my well-being, it is crucial to keep my foliage dry during watering and to consistently remove my spent blooms and any dead plant material around me to eliminate its food source.
This is a specific and serious root disease. The fungus Thielaviopsis basicola attacks my root system, causing my roots to turn black and decay. Unlike the soft rot of Pythium, my roots may become stunted and brittle. Above the soil, I show symptoms of general decline: I become stunted, my leaves chlorotic (yellow), and I wilt easily because my compromised roots cannot sustain my growth. This pathogen prefers cool, wet soil conditions. Using sterile, well-draining potting mix and avoiding overwatering are the most effective ways to protect me from this destructive disease.
