From our perspective, powdery mildew is a frequent and frustrating fungal adversary. It appears as a white, powdery coating on our leaves, stems, and sometimes even our flowers. This coating is not just unsightly; it actively blocks sunlight, hindering our vital photosynthesis process. It saps our strength, causing our leaves to yellow, curl, and distort, which stunts our growth. The fungus thrives in conditions of high humidity with poor air circulation, especially when our leaves are damp for extended periods. To help us, please ensure we are spaced adequately to allow air to move freely between us. Water us at the base in the morning so our leaves can dry quickly in the sun. If the infection appears, you can treat us with a homemade solution of one tablespoon of baking soda and half a teaspoon of liquid soap in a gallon of water, sprayed thoroughly.
Below the soil surface, root rot is a silent and deadly threat. It is caused by various soil-borne fungi, most commonly from the Phytophthora or Pythium genera, which thrive in waterlogged, poorly draining soil. When our roots are constantly saturated, they cannot access the oxygen we need to breathe and function. The fungi then attack, causing our root systems to turn brown, black, and mushy—effectively strangling us. Above ground, you will see our entire being wilt, our leaves turn yellow, and our growth cease, despite the soil being wet. The key to preventing this is excellent drainage. Plant us in raised beds or containers with ample drainage holes and use a gritty, well-aerating soil mix. Avoid overwatering at all costs; it is better to let our soil dry out slightly between drinks.
We are also susceptible to various leaf spot diseases, often caused by fungi like Cercospora or Alternaria. These pathogens manifest as small, circular to irregular brown or black spots on our foliage. As the disease progresses, these spots may enlarge, and the centers can sometimes fall out, leaving holes. These lesions damage the leaf tissue, reducing our surface area for photosynthesis and weakening us overall. The spores are typically spread through water splashing from the soil onto our lower leaves. To manage this, practice good sanitation by promptly removing and destroying any badly infected leaves. Water us using drip irrigation or a soaker hose to keep our foliage dry. Applying a layer of mulch around our base can also help prevent fungal spores in the soil from splashing up onto us.
While not diseases, pests like aphids and spider mites are significant biological stressors that cause disease-like symptoms. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that cluster on our new, tender growth and the undersides of our leaves. They pierce our tissue and suck out our nutrient-rich sap, which can lead to curled, distorted leaves and a general decline in our vigor. Spider mites are tiny arachnids that also feed on our sap, often causing a stippled, yellowed appearance on our leaves and leaving behind fine webbing. Both pests can be managed by regularly spraying us with a strong jet of water to dislodge them. For more severe infestations, insecticidal soap or horticultural oil sprays are effective treatments that are gentle on us and our environment.
