Question
My angel trumpet plant has a rust like substance on the leaves; I have tried washing them but it keeps coming back.  What can I do to get rid of it before it kills all of the leaves?  Thank you.

Answer
Rosalie:
A couple of things to think about.  1st.-There is a fungus plant disease called literally rust. Take a close look at this discolored area on the leaf that you mentioned.  If it is a disease, the discolored area should consist of a bunch of raised "pimples" that look like dots of yellow or orangeish powder.  You can wipe these with a piece of white tissue, then look for a yellow smudge on the paper.  This is an indication of a leaf disease.  If it doesn't meet these criteria, is there any chance that something may have left a residue on the leaf- like a spray or something from overhead?

If it is a rust disease, there are a few fungicides that you can buy and spray on the plant early in the season, when leaves first start coming out.  The sprays will not cure already "rusted" leaves.  Check in with your local garden center or nursery for suggestions.  If only a few leaves are "rusted", just remove them as soon as you see it- then discard those leaves.  But, it is best to first determine if it is a disease or something else.

If you wish, you can also send me a photo of one of the affected leaves. If you want to, then try to get as close as you can to take the shot.  Review it on your computer first- to be sure it is in focus before you send.  I'll be glad to look at it.

Thanks for your question.

Steve