skip to main content

Odd damage to clivia leaves

2 years ago

I was just given a potted clivia (with several "pups") by a friend, but I am concerned about what is going on with it. I have other clivias and have never seen this in happening with the foliage. I am used to the ends of the leaves browning but nothing "chewed" like this. (I've segregated this plant from the others until I can find out what's wrong and how (or whether) to treat it). Insect or fungus? Any advice is welcome!!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
2 years ago
was just given a potted clivia

==>>

can we see the whole plant ...;.

do we know if your friend abused it ...

did you tip it out of the pot.. and look at the roots to see what you might see there ... shove it back in the pot when you are done looking ....

based on the coloration of what you see ... it sure doesnt look like anything real recent ... focus more on whether there is an on going problem .... and not freak out over what might have happens a long time ago ...

ken
ctlady_gw
Original Author
2 years ago
I'll try to get a better shot tomorrow when there is natural light. I had already cut out some of the leaves I was most concerned about, before I decided I needed some advice. I was worried because I was seeing the odd brown areas on both old leaves and young new ones, though the "chewed" effect is only on the edges of older leaves. It looks like 2-3 larger plants and about 5 little ones. I have not tried tipping it out of the pot, but will do that tomorrow. What am I looking for in the roots? (The friend it came from is generally very knowledgeable about plants and has a large collection of thriving houseplants. I was surprised when I got this plant home and noticed the condition of the leaves but was reluctant to ask about it since it was a gift. But I could. Just hoping to have a better idea of what might be going on first...)
Related Discussions
Odd Viburnum frost damage or disease?
Q
Comments (7)
It may be snowball aphid. They are difficult to see.. small, white/blue & hidden in the curls & galls they create. I have a severe infestation on my V trilobum, so I now know more than I ever wanted to know about 'em. **IF** you have snowball aphids there are only 2 things you can do. 1) ride it out & use dormant oil spray next spring before bud break to prevent re-infestation 2) use a systemic pesticide. We have stricter regs here so you will have different options.. talk to a horticulturalist about what to use in your area. Let me repeat.. sprays (unless they are systemic) will do little to nothing. These are not "regular" aphids. Don't poison unnecessarily.
...See More
Please help clivia leaves yellow with picture
Q
Comments (2)
I have a clivia about twelve years old that looked like this one year when I procrastinated too long in the Fall, and didn't bring it in until a light frost hit it. I just trimmed back the leaves to the healthy part, and saw no ill effects. To be on the safe side, in case this is not the problen, I would moisten a cotton ball or cloth with alcohol and wipe off my cutting tool after each cut and dispose of the leaves in the trash, and not in a compost bin.
...See More
White 'fluff' on clivia leaves
Q
Comments (4)
Hi...Sorry it took me a few days to get back here....Hmm, can't post a photo because I cleaned off the leaves reasonably well earlier in the week when I couldn't stand looking at the fluff anymore......On the mealy bug front, should I see small insects, in addition to the fluff? If so, I'll look more closely when the fluff inevitably comes back........If it IS mealy bugs, what should I do? Is there something with which I can wash or 'coat' the leaves to discourage the infestation of whatever it is?.....Many thanks!!
...See More
Odd damage - what bug?
Q
Comments (3)
Greenthumbgardener - I would think your hail suggestion was accurate (there was a big storm while I was away) - except for the fact that the garden is shady because it is located under a huge canopy of trees! It would be difficult for hail to penetrate, unless it flew in sideways and then dropped . . . but it does look like that sort of thing. Slugs? No . . the damage is too linear and slitty, not holey. I'm still puzzled . . .
...See More
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
What am I looking for in the roots?

==>>

anything out of the ordinary.. rotting ... bone dry media even after watering ... meaning a media failure ... bugs.. etc ...

you cant really diagnose a plant.. if you dont look at all of it ... why skip half the plant... its roots???

frankly.. that last pic.. i wish half my plants looked that good.. lol .. maybe since its new.. you are just hyper-focused on it a bit much ...

ken
cearbhaill (zone 6b Eastern Kentucky)
2 years ago
That last photo looks like the potting media has mixed bark and perlite yet the first photo looks more like straight potting media that is fairly dense. Any chance of finding out what it is potted in?

Because if the soil holds on to too much moisture it can't dry out enough in between waterings, nor can air exchange happen. I know my own clivia does not want that amount of moisture retention, it really prefers to be dry.

I'd also check that it hasn't been buried too deeply.

Related Stories

RUGS Prevent Slips and Floor Damage With the Right Rug Pad

By Karen Egly-Thompson

Here's what to know about sizes, materials, costs and maintenance of this important companion to your area rugs

MOST POPULAR How to Get Rid of Household Mold

Find out how to work with a pro to stop mold from damaging your house and health — and how to prevent it from forming

MOST POPULAR Homeowners Give the Pink Sink Some Love

By Mary Jo Bowling

When it comes to pastel sinks in a vintage bath, some people love ’em and leave ’em. Would you?

DECORATING GUIDES Spruce Up Your Rental, No Nails or Paint Required

By Alice Whitfield

Refresh your walls and protect your security deposit with 8 damage-free options

LIFE Consider Avoiding These Plants to Help Keep Your Garden Fire-Safe

By Lauren Dunec Hoang

Plants that accumulate dead material, are high in oil or have low moisture content in leaves put some homes at risk

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Lindera Benzoin Offers 3-Season Interest

By Curtis Adams

Support wildlife and enjoy the aromatic leaves of this U.S. native also known as spicebush, Benjamin bush and spicewood

WINTER GARDENING Great Design Plant: Gold Collection Hellebores Perform Like Stars

Exciting colors, longer bloom times, forward-facing flowers ... These hybrids leave old hellebores in the dust

KITCHEN STORAGE 13 Popular Kitchen Storage Ideas and What They Cost

By Karen Egly-Thompson

Corner drawers, appliance garages, platter storage and in-counter knife slots are a few details you may not want to leave out

DISASTER PREP & RECOVERY How to Prep for Disaster Insurance Claims

Tools and tips for making an inventory list, documenting damage to your home, and working with your adjuster

GARAGES 6 Incredible Garage Conversions

By Becky Harris

Trading car storage for capacious living space, these garage conversions leave their former incarnations in the dust

Sponsored

More Discussions

Alpine Violet Cyclomen

13

What do I do with this plant?

11

Philodendron Birkin

2

Ants in my plants! Ants in my plants!

16

can my gorgeous fiddle leaf be saved?

8