Issue with plumeria

[Farmerjane]

Hi,

Plumeria leaves look unhealthy.  The white coating seems like it is painted on.  All leaves look like these except the newly emerging ones. Is this a nutritional deficiency? Plant is in the ground in a greenhouse.  

Thanks! 

[Silas_Sancona]

17 minutes ago, Farmerjane said:

Hi,

Plumeria leaves look unhealthy.  The white coating seems like it is painted on.  All leaves look like these except the newly emerging ones. Is this a nutritional deficiency? Plant is in the ground in a greenhouse.  

Thanks! 

Stippling of the leaves = 99% certain that is classic spider mite damage.. lol,  Deal w/ this almost each year when it is hot and dry, esp. before Monsoon season kicks in.. 

If you tap the pictured leaf on a white sheet of paper, i'd bet you'll see little specks that will start moving around.  Leaf itself will feel " gritty / grainy " esp. in the center where the most damage looks to be.

Highly recommend washing it / them ( ...if you have more than one ) down weekly to eliminate any dust accumulation on the leaves.  Lil' buggers love those kinds of conditions..   Since they lay their eggs in the soil, washing off the leaves a few times can break their life cycle as well.  I noticed this worked on some potted plants i keep under the front porch where air circulation isn't the best this year when spider mites tried to take over. 

Might also give them a dose of diluted Fish / Kelp to help initiate a growth spurt..  and a dose of SulPoMag to help the plant(s) fight off mites if or when they try to show up again..

Once you have a couple sets of new leaves, the damaged ones can be removed ..or allowed to burn off on their own.  Have done both with my own plants when a spider mite issue got bad enough.

You could also hit them with a diluted solution of rubbing alcohol and water but, there is risk of burning the leaves ..Did that myself a couple years ago.  Anything w/ an oil base, say Neem,  is a risk when it is hot also.

Overall, while they typically won't kill a plant, they can weaken it, especially if the plant is smaller. 

[Farmerjane]

Thanks!!

[Than]

I second that you should not use alcohol or neem. I burnt my plumerias like that. Just use water and if the plumeria is still young and has few leaves then just wipe them carefully with a wet tissue, one by one. Repeat after a few days.

[Silas_Sancona]

25 minutes ago, Than said:

I second that you should not use alcohol or neem. I burnt my plumerias like that. Just use water and if the plumeria is still young and has few leaves then just wipe them carefully with a wet tissue, one by one. Repeat after a few days.

Wiping down the leaves, one by one = not necessary / wayy too much work..  Good squirt w/ the hose once a week is perfect.