Plumeria leaves not opening and deformed

[Tracy]

  One of my long time in ground Plumeria is currently having deformed leaves with some leaves not unfolding properly.   

Weather has been a bit fickle.  We experienced a heat wave earlier in September but lately have been counter to the rest of the state.  We have had heavy marine layer, fog and occasional late afternoon early evening clearing.  I am not sure if the weather is contributing but this is also on the west side of the house which sits in marine layer even  when my east facing backyard is getting a little bit of sun.

Any thoughts on what is going on with it.   I use Palm plus with micros slow release 2 or 3 times per year on this and the nearby palms & cycads.

[Silas_Sancona]

  On 10/4/2024 at 7:48 PM, Tracy said:

  One of my long time in ground Plumeria is currently having deformed leaves with some leaves not unfolding properly.   

Weather has been a bit fickle.  We experienced a heat wave earlier in September but lately have been counter to the rest of the state.  We have had heavy marine layer, fog and occasional late afternoon early evening clearing.  I am not sure if the weather is contributing but this is also on the west side of the house which sits in marine layer even  when my east facing backyard is getting a little bit of sun.

Any thoughts on what is going on with it.   I use Palm plus with micros slow release 2 or 3 times per year on this and the nearby palms & cycads.

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See what look like some mealy Bugs on some of the leaves in a couple of the shots ( 2 and 3 esp. )..  Aside from viral or bacterial issues, Abrupt Wx changes / swings,  Chemical burn,  and /or  nutritional issues can cause leaf deformities as well.


Since only the top / newest set(s) of leaves appear effected, imagine the issue is recent rather than something that is / was on- going. Makes me think what ever caused it is likely something besides a virus / bacterial - related issue.

Obviously, if Mealys or Aphids, you could apply something to knock them down, ..or just cut off / dispose of the effected leaves.

Maybe post up on the S. Cal. Plumeria Society's FB page to get  more thoughts from the local gurus there.

  I'd glanced over something somewhere where other folks out there mentioned seeing this occur from time to time  ...so what you're experiencing might be easily resolvable / more related to the yo yo weather of late..

[Tracy]

  On 10/4/2024 at 8:45 PM, Silas_Sancona said:

Obviously, if Mealys or Aphids, you could apply something ....

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On close examination it looks like mildew or a powdery mold.  I did find a couple of spots on both healthy leaves and on one of the deformed leaves that appeared to be whitefly circles but not mature to the point of white beards.

[Silas_Sancona]

  On 10/5/2024 at 4:46 PM, Tracy said:

On close examination it looks like mildew or a powdery mold.  I did find a couple of spots on both healthy leaves and on one of the deformed leaves that appeared to be whitefly circles but not mature to the point of white beards.

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Definitely looks like Powdery Mildew, though, like in the photos below, i'd think you'd see it on the top surfaces of the leaves ..deformed  and / or healthier ones... at the same time.. 

  Hadn't thought about Whitefies which could be occurring as well.   Saw the hint of webbing in the last shot, so Spider Mites might be trying to do their thing also.


Some shots from Flicker of both Powdery Mildew and White Fly  ... 

  ** Credits to those who took the pictures **


Powdery Mildew







Obvious White Fly issue




Both  Orange spots on the leaf in the last photo = Rust, which is rarely a serious issue..









Damaged leaves Plumeria can exude sap that dries on them as well..