Question
pentas
I live in Fl. and have several pentas plants. I have one that has a lot of white stuff on it. I have enclosed a picture. Will it harm my plant and if so, how so I control it?
AnswerHello Mary,
Please forgive me for taking so long to answer your question. I was out today.
Pentas are lovely plants with few problems. One problem, however, can be powdery mildew, which is caused by a common fungus, particularly under humid conditions. It can weaken a plant, but from viewing the pictures I can see that your powdery mildew is in the early stages, when it is easiest to treat and control.
Please begin treatment by removing any affected leaves. If you use pruning shears or snippers to perform this removal, do remember to disinfect them by using rubbing alcohol or dipping them into a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water between cuts. You perform this step to avoid passing the fungus from plant to plant. Next, utilize elemental sulphur, a safe to use, non-toxic and organic remedy used for several fungus diseases (black spot is another). Elemental sulphur is inexpensive. Good, widely available brands are made by Safer and Bonide. You will find them in any garden center and they are commonly found in hardware stores. They are also widely available on the internet. You can purchase it ready to use, or you can purchase a concentrate (which I do), get an inexpensive spray bottle (which you can find in the same locations) and spray your plants (wait until the temperature is under 80 degrees) every few days. Temperatures over 80 degrees will cause the plants to become burned.
Other steps that you can take include avoiding overhead watering that causes the leaves to become wet and provide a good breeding ground for fungus. Lastly, it would helpful if you place the plants in an area of good air circulation. Stagnant air is the friend of fungus.
Is this clear? Please feel free to write again if this is in any way unclear or you need more information. I am happy to help.
Happy New Year Mary!
Best wishes,
Donna
