African daisies, with their bright, colorful blooms, are a popular addition to many gardens. However, these flowers are susceptible to mold, which can quickly damage their appearance and health. In this article, I’ll explain what causes mold on African daisies and provide effective solutions for treating and preventing mold growth.
What Causes Mold on African Daisies
Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in warm, humid environments. For African daisies, the main factors that lead to mold growth are:
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Overwatering – Excess moisture allows mold spores to germinate.
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Poor air circulation – Stagnant air and crowded plantings increase humidity around leaves.
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Low light – Inadequate sunlight keeps leaves perpetually damp.
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High humidity – Mold flourishes when humidity levels are consistently above 60%.
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Leaf wetness – Water remaining on leaves for prolonged periods enables mold growth
Identifying Mold on African Daisies
Scan plants frequently to spot mold early before extensive damage occurs. Look for these telltale signs:
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White, gray, green, or black velvety or powdery deposits on leaves, stems, or flowers.
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Distorted, curled, or spotted foliage.
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Rotting, discolored areas on plants.
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Wilting or dying foliage and flowers.
If you detect any of these symptoms, take prompt action to treat the mold.
How to Get Rid of Mold on African Daisies
Once mold is present on your African daisies, implement these methods to eliminate and control it:
Remove Affected Plant Parts
Prune off all leaves, stems, and flowers showing signs of mold. Be sure to sterilize pruning shears before and after each cut with rubbing alcohol to avoid spreading spores. Discard the diseased trimmings – do not compost them.
Improve Air Circulation
Mold thrives in stagnant air, so improve airflow around plants. Space African daisies at least 12 inches apart and remove any nearby plants blocking air movement. Set up oscillating fans to keep air circulating.
Water at the Base of Plants
Avoid getting water on the leaves, as this encourages mold growth. Water only at soil level. Water in the morning so leaves have time to dry out during the day.
Apply a Fungicide
For stubborn mold infestations, use a fungicide made for ornamental plants. Always follow label directions. Treat initially, then repeat every 7-14 days until the mold is gone.
Adjust Watering Schedule
Overwatering frequently causes mold, so allow soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Adjusting schedule and watering less prevents excess moisture.
Increase Sunlight Exposure
Move plants to a sunnier location, removing any plants or obstructions blocking light. African daisies need at least 6 hours of direct sun daily to thrive.
Improve Soil Drainage
Excess water around roots causes mold issues. If soil doesn’t drain well, amend it with compost or perlite to improve drainage.
Preventing Mold on African Daisies
Once you’ve eliminated mold, be vigilant about prevention:
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Water early in the day so leaves dry by nightfall.
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Space plants appropriately and prune surrounding vegetation.
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Use drip irrigation or water at the soil line to keep leaves dry.
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Apply mulch to prevent soil from splashing onto leaves during watering.
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Monitor soil moisture and allow the top few inches to dry between waterings.
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Check frequently for pests like aphids that increase mold risk.
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Remove spent blooms and prune regularly to improve air circulation.
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Consider using a preventive fungicide if mold has been a recurring issue.
Common Questions about Mold on African Daisies
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about managing mold on African daisies:
What is the white powdery substance on my African daisy leaves?
This is likely powdery mildew, a type of mold fungus that coats leaves in a white powdery coating. It thrives in humid conditions with poor air flow.
What causes the gray fuzzy mold on my African daisies?
Gray fuzzy mold is typically botrytis blight, also called grey mold. It’s another fungal disease that grows in cool, persistently damp conditions.
Why do my African daisies have black spots and rotting leaves?
This can be a sign of alternaria leaf spot, a mold disease encouraged by overcrowding and excessive moisture on leaves.
Is mold on African daisies treatable or should I discard diseased plants?
If caught early, mold can often be treated through pruning and adjusting care. But severely infected plants may need to be removed and destroyed to prevent spread.
How can I tell if my other plants are at risk when African daisies have mold?
Monitor all plants carefully for early signs of mold. Improve overall air circulation and humidity levels in your garden to prevent mold.
Conclusion
Left untreated, mold can quickly damage African daisy’s appearance and vigor. But by understanding what causes it and taking prompt action to treat and prevent it, you can successfully grow healthy, mold-free African daisies. Just be vigilant about proper watering, air circulation, sunlight, and spacing in your garden. With attentive care, your African daisies will continue blooming beautifully all season long.
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Plants Commonly Affected by Powdery Mildew
A wide variety of plants are affected by powdery mildew, including many commonly grown ornamental and edible plants.
Some of the many ornamental annuals and perennials affected by powdery mildew include: aster, bee balm, begonia, calendula, calibrachoa, campanula, chrysanthemum, columbine, coreopsis, cosmos, dahlia, delphinium, gaillardia, geranium, heliopsis, joe-pye weed, lupine, penstemon, petunia, rudbeckia, salvia, snapdragons, stokesia, sunflower, verbena, veronica, yarrow, and zinnia.
Some fruits and vegetables affected by powdery mildew include: bean, cucumber, lettuce, melon, pea, pepper, pumpkin, squash, strawberry, and tomato.
Identification, Prevention and Control
Powdery Mildew on a Calendula Plant
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that affects a wide variety of plants and is caused by many different species of fungi. Infections generally occur when temperatures are mild, between about 60 to 80 degrees, and are most severe when nights are cool, days are warm and plants are crowded or shaded. In many areas, infections are common in the spring and fall. Humidity can help powdery mildew infections grow but moist conditions are not required for infections to grow or spread. Infections usually start in the lower sections of plants where there is less airflow. Infections are spread by wind, water and insects.
Powdery mildew is easily recognizable by its powdery white appearance that starts as small spots and can eventually cover leaves, stems, flowers, and even entire plants. Infections can cause discoloration or loss of leaves and also deformed leaves and other plant parts. Yields and and flavor can both be reduced by infections. Powdery mildew infections do not usually kill plants.