Daisies appear rather robust with their rural charm. And yet the flowering perennial is often affected by fungal diseases and insect pests.
Daisies have always given gardens a touch of rural idyll. They are reminiscent of blooming meadows and field strips.
The blooming perennial seems to us to be particularly robust. Nevertheless, they are not spared from diseases and can also be affected by sucking pests. However, the damage patterns and their causes are easily recognized and can be treated effectively. However, it is advisable to take a closer look at the daisies from time to time.
Mould and Root Rot
There is the mold infestation. It usually occurs when daisies are too wet, i.e. they are watered excessively. Mold can form on the roots and leaves after a short time. The plant looks stunted and its leaves develop brown spots. Also, the musty odor emanating from the plant is a clear sign of the putrefactive mold. Mainly daisies in planters are affected.
If you recognize such a mold infestation, then you should definitely dry your plant. You take your flowering plant out of the pot and remove rotten roots and infested leaves. Rinse the roots with clear water and then let them air dry. Then plant your marguerite in the pot with new soil.
By the way: Daisies like well-drained soil, both outdoors and in pots. You should therefore mix some sand under the fresh, high-compost potting soil and then pot your flowering plant.
Leaf spot disease
The daisy is also occasionally attacked by leaf spot disease. This usually occurs when the plant is too shady and too damp. This fungal disease causes black or brownish spots on the leaves. Affected leaves should be removed immediately and disposed of with household waste.
Do not throw parts of plants infected with a fungal disease into the compost. The spurs of thisMushrooms are resistant and survive composting unscathed. They can later reinfect the soil in the garden. An additional treatment of the marguerite with a fungicide against leaf spot disease is advisable.
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Mildew
Mildew is one of the most common fungal diseases in the garden. Its spores, which are mainly carried by the wind, find an excellent breeding ground on the plants in warm, humid weather.
Infested daisies can be recognized by the light gray to white coating on the leaves. It is recommended to spray the diseased perennial with a water-milk mixture. To do this, mix about nine parts water with one part wholemeal. Spray your marguerite with this solution. When the mixture has dried on the leaves, the plant is rinsed with clear water.
They continued this treatment three more times over the next few days.
Sucking insect pests
Eating and sucking insect pests can badly affect daisies. They include aphids, spider mites, and white whiteflies.
Aphids
Aphids leave sticky spots on the leaves. In addition, the leaves curl up and eventually wither.
A solution of soft soap and water has proven effective against this voracious foliar pest. With this, the marguerite is sprayed several times in succession. A nettle decoction is also extremely effective for controlling aphids.
spider mites
Yellow leaves and webs on the underside of leaves indicate a spider mite infestation. They can easily be destroyed with pesticides. Garden centers have pesticides with biological as well as chemical active ingredients ready.
Whitefly
The damage caused by whitefly is easily recognizable. Affected leaves turn yellow and dry up.
Like aphids, whiteflies can be controlled with a solution of soft soap and water.
Another tip: Ladybirds and parasitic wasps like to eat these harmful insects. Both beneficial insects are available in specialist shops. They can also be ordered online.