Senetti plant dies if it gets too much direct sunlight. Senetti plant shows dying signs due to improper watering practices. Senetti plants can also die if the temperature is fluctuating rapidly. Leafminers are commonly found on Senetti plants.
The Senetti plants are kept for their vibrant colors. They are quite resilient to swift changes in weather conditions.
They add color to the otherwise dull garden. The plants are quite resilient in both summer and winter. They help greatly with pollination. Thus, they are a great addition to gardens.
But, like all the other plants they face some issues too. These issues arise due to poor watering, temperature fluctuations, inadequate sunlight, or pests.
Downy Mildew, Alternaria Leaf Spot, Root rot, and Leafminers are seen in Senetti plants. Let’s see what your plant has got.
| Symptoms of the Dying Senetti | Reasons |
|---|---|
| Leaves turn brown and the plant, in general, becomes dull | Underwatering |
| Worm-like trails on Senetti leaves Stippling pattern on leaves | Leafminer infestation |
| Leaves turn brown and roots get rotten | Root Rot |
| dark brown to black spots on Senetti leaves | Alternaria Leaf Spot fungal infection |
| Yellow spots are seen on the lower sides of Senetti leaves. After a while, the yellow spots become black. | Downy Mildew |
Watering Issues
Senetti plant likes moisture. The plant also likes soil with good drainage. So, try to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Make sure the soil is well aerated. Ensure the plant gets enough water and the soil is somewhat wet but not soggy.
Poorly watered plants’ leaves turn brown and the plant, in general, becomes dull. Such plants can be revived by conscious watering.
How often should I water my Senetti?
Water your Senetii mid-day as cold water can shock the roots. Senetti plant is very thirsty, it needs regular watering.
Water them twice a week. A good rule of thumb is not to let the top 2 inches of the soil go dry. Check the soil for moisture with your fingers.
Temperature
Senetti plants love lower temperatures. Although they can survive any conditions, they do their best in lower temperatures.
They flower in temperatures below 10°C, so it’s better to keep them in indirect sunlight or in shade during summer.
Solution
During the hot summer months, provide them with indirect sunlight or shade to prevent stress and maintain their health. Protect them from extreme heat.
Do you see worm-like trails on the leaves of your Senetti?
Worm-like trails on Senetti leaves are caused by insect pests called Leafminers. The worms create a stippling pattern on leaves.
Leafminers lay eggs on the leaves. They turn into larvae. These larvae then go on to feed on the leaf tissue of the plant.
These larvae turn into pupae and in time, fall into the soil. This way they can spread into the neighboring plants.
Solutions
If the infection is in the early stages, you can cut off the affected leaves. Collect the cut infected leaves and throw them away.
In severe cases, the pupae are in the soil, and cutting the leaves won’t matter much. Do not cut the leaves of the Senetti if the infection is severe.
Spraying Neem Oil immediately after you notice early symptoms works well. It will knock out existing larvae. If the infestation is severe, insecticide spray may prove useful. You can prevent such infestations by introducing natural predators.
Root rot on Senetti
Black root rot is commonly seen in Senetti plants. This happens when the plant is overwatered.
So, when watering you have to make sure the soil isn’t already moist. Do not ever let the soil get soggy. This is the main cause of root rot as it lets the algae Phytophthora thrive.
Solution
Root rot is often caused by overwatering. To prevent it, water the plant when the soil is not already moist and ensure the soil does not become soggy. Proper drainage is essential to avoid root rot. Use well-draining soil, especially if you are growing Senetti in a pot.
Alternaria Leaf Spot on Senetti
This disease causes dark brown to black spots on Senetti leaves. This is caused by a fungal infection. The spots engulf the entire leaf.
Spots spread to the petiole and break it.
Solution
Remove and get rid of the infected leaves. Do not let the leaves get wet. Apply fungicide to protect healthy plants in the same bed.
Downy Mildew of Senetti
This disease is caused by Plasmopara. In the beginning, yellow spots are seen on Senetti leaves. After a while, the yellow spots become black.
Sparse fungal infection is seen on the lower side of the leaves. This is the reason why it gets the name “Downy” Mildew.
Solution
Removing infected leaves can help. When watering, focus on the base of the plant rather than wetting the leaves. This can help prevent the spread of the disease. Additionally, maintain good air circulation around the plant.
How to care for the Senetti plant?
Caring well for the Senetta plant is crucial to prevent diseases/disorders. There are various factors that influence the health of a Senetta plant.
Does Senetti need sun?
No, the Senetti plant doesn’t like direct sunlight. Senetti plants mostly like cool conditions. Senetti can thrive in partial shade conditions.
Arrange a shade cloth for shade-loving plants like Senetti.
Watering
You need to take extra care when watering your Senetti in the winter. It can get very cold.
Do not water your plant in the morning or the evening. The water will be very cold. Senetti might go into a shock if you water it in the cold hours.
To avoid this, water your Senetti in the afternoon. You can also water the plant with somewhat warm water.
Make sure you don’t let the soil go dry. Always keep the soil moist but not soggy. Use well-drained soil if you are growing a potted plant.
Do you deadhead Senetti?
Yes, you need to deadhead the Senetti plant. Deadheading will prolong the flowering of Senetti plants. This also increases the life of the plant.
Faded flowerheads should be cut to 6 inches. You can encourage new blossom by feeding your plant some liquid potash-based food.
Happy Gardenin’ 🙂