What IS the problem?

11 years ago

My plumerias that are planted in the ground in the front of my house are looking terrible. The leaves are curled, misshapen and don't look right at all. I am wondering if this is a pest, a fungus or some other problem. And maybe I am just impatient . . .

I thought this was some sort of sucking insect causing problems. I sprayed - first with soapy water and finally with Bayer - and either it is taking a long time to correct or it is not working. I also used Bayer 3-in-1 drench.

Some of the new leaves are looking better, but I am not sure I have gotten this under control. See the middle leave in this picture? It looks normal.

This is the worst example of what is going on with my plumeria.

If this is all going to correct itself, great. But I'd really like to know what is going on with my plants and how to prevent this in the future. I have other plumeria plants in pots on my lanai and they show none of these abnormalities.

Thanks, everyone!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Herbicide damage? Did anyone spray weed killer nearby at all?

It looks like the newest growth is coming in normal in the second pic. Hope that's the case.
Crenda 10A SW FL thanked Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A
Crenda 10A SW FL
Original Author
11 years ago
No one was supposed to be spraying weeds in that area, but I was gone for 2 months so I guess it is possible. I'm glad you think the new growth looks normal, too. I'll keep my eye on it for any signs of this returning.

Thanks!
Related Professionals
Brunswick Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Louisville Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Honolulu Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Branson Landscape Contractors · Marietta Landscape Contractors · Middletown Landscape Contractors · Rochester Landscape Contractors · Ithaca Landscape Contractors · Bozeman Landscape Contractors · Joplin Architects & Building Designers · Oxford Architects & Building Designers · Spartanburg Architects & Building Designers · Chicago Architects & Building Designers · Trenton Architects & Building Designers · Toronto Architects & Building Designers
moonie_57 (8 NC)
11 years ago
I guess if you were away for a long period, they weren't overfertilized?
Crenda 10A SW FL thanked moonie_57 (8 NC)
Crenda 10A SW FL
Original Author
11 years ago
There's a chance that my lawn service "did me a favor" and treated the area. I am usually here and on top of weeds and fertilizing. I pull weeds nearly every day. They are supposed to stay out of my landscaped beds, but I wasn't here . . . My former pest control people sprayed a new bee hive for me - and promptly lost the contract. (I have a bee keeper on speed dial.)

And I just found signs of rust on some of the leaves, so that's another thing to address!

Thanks! At least the new leaves are looking normal.
Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Broadleaf weed killers or Roundup spray -- even fumes --- can drift and affect nearby plants. I believe plumerias are particularly sensitive, but I have no proof of that. You might check with them and see if they did any spraying. A lot can happen in 2 months!
Crenda 10A SW FL thanked Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A