Need help says my plants !!

by Dennis
(Kuching, Malaysia)

Lantana Leaf with ring type spots

Lantana Leaf with ring type spots

Hi, of late my Lantana and Rangoon creeper are suffering from unknown diseases. Grey spots on the upper surface of Lantana leaves and brownish powdery substance mainly on the leaf underside. I am seeking some help to find out what are the main causes, are these fungus and how to go about treating it? My location is in tropical Malaysia. Thank you very much.

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Sep 01, 2019
 Ugh!
by: Jacki Cammidge, Certified Horticulturist

Lantana is prone to many issues, fungus and anthracnose, which is bacterial in nature, are common.

The best thing to do with anthracnose is to remove the infected leaves. Do this as soon as you start to see the give-away round spots. There is no spray or other treatment, as it's in the environment. Get rid of any leaves that fall off to prevent reinfection. Don't water the leaves when irrigating the plant.

This disease is one that needs a perfect storm - the right temperature, the right humidity, and a source of infection. Remove the ones you have control over.

Rangoon creeper is not a plant I'm familiar with, but I'm going to make the same suggestion.
Sep 01, 2019
 Meant to add...
by: Jacki Cammidge, Certified Horticulturist

The color of the leaves indicates that the plant may benefit from some fertilizer.

Start using some kind of plant fertilizer with a larger middle number, if using commercial plant food. This will give the plants some strength to fight off this type of infection. Compost tea works well too, or worm castings, or compost.

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