The poinsettia is very robust and not very susceptible to diseases - provided the care is right. Pests, which often appear in an unfavorable location, bother him more. Control diseases and pests. Prevention Tips.
Mistakes in care are more dangerous for the poinsettia than diseases
Diseases of the poinsettia
Poinsettias are very demanding in terms of care and location. If you take good care of the shrub and grow it in a good place, you will hardly have any problems with diseases.
A big problem is root rot. It occurs when the poinsettia is too damp or even waterlogged. This problem can be avoided with proper watering. The pot must have a drainage hole and excess water should be drained off immediately.
Why are the leaves turning yellow?
If the poinsettia is too damp, the leaves will turn yellow and fall off. Make sure that the pot is only watered when the top layer of soil has dried out.
Which pests can occur?
There are some pests that can be dangerous for the poinsettia. This includes:
- white flies
- mealybugs
- spider mites
- fungus gnats
Here, too, a favorable location where it is warm, bright and not too dry can have a preventive effect.
Do not place the poinsettia on a window sill where a heater provides warmth. This will dry out the air too much. Air that is too dry is responsible for infestation by spider mites and fungus gnats.
fight pests
Check your poinsettia regularly for pest infestations. The sooner you take action, the sooner you can get the damage under control.
Collect the pests. Sometimes it helps to rinse the poinsettia with soft water that is not too cold. If the infestation is severe, use a lubricating solution or a commercially available insecticide. You should simply cut off badly affected shoots.
If the humidity is too low, the plant is too dark or too cool, find a better location. A good way to increase humidity is to place bowls of water near the poinsettia.
tips
In the wrong location, the poinsettia will quickly lose its leaves. Drafts and low temperatures are often responsible for this.