I have a flaming Katie that’s doing overall well however she hasn’t had any yellow flowers in the last three months, and she has a little bit of a white waxy substance on her leaves. I’m planning on cleaning the leaves with water but let me know if there are any suggestions out there.
Looks like powdery mildew, a fungus. It thrives in both warm dry conditions and in high humidity, high temperature conditions, as well. They do well in shaded areas and with poor air circulation. You can get rid of fungus with a commercial fungicide applied at least once a week or more often until it stops growing. There are several natural remedies like neem oil that fights fungus. Check online for other DIY remedies. You can help prevent fungal growth by getting adequate lighting to the plant. Get good airflow with a fan in the room. Don’t wet the plant leaves and stems. Only water the soil to avoid leaving moisture on the leaves. Bottom watering is better than showering the entire plant. Moisture promotes growth. Don’t mist. Use a humidifier. Misting leaves large water droplets on the leaves too long.🪴🍀
2 Likes Thank you!
1 Like I really appreciate you taking the time to help. That is a really well articulated plan. Thank you!
1 Like You’re welcome. ☺️ I’ve lost plants like roses and zinnias to powdery mildew in my early years of gardening. I kept killing off my plants with love. 😁 I watered late even after I got home. Water sat on the plants and grew mold all night. The plants were covered in fungus within days. The elderly lady who ran her small hardware store and nursery showed me what to do. I installed a drip irrigation system to run before I went to work. It reduced my water bill. I used a fungicide on the plants. I will never forget the help because I cried watching my plants die off thinking I don’t have a green thumb. 👍 😂
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