|
| Some of the leaves are my rhododendron are curling back on themselves, getting krinkled and shrunken looking, with brown spots on the underside. I've been removing them as they develop. But I'd like to know what this is and whether there is a better treatment. |
Follow-Up Postings:
|
| It sounds like Rhododendron Gall Midge. Young leaves rolled and distorted could be either chemical damage or Rhododendron Gall Midge, Clinodiplosis rhododendri, which are 3 or 4 times larger than a grain of Salt. The rhododendron gall midge is a tiny insect that feeds in the spring and causes distorted leaves to emerge. There is no way to undo the damage once it has occurred. Chemical damage should be associated with a chemical application (fertilizer, herbicide, deicing salt, etc.) and should affect more than one plant. Another possibility is leaf roll and droop which is normal when rhododendrons are exposed to extreme heat, or drought. It is a natural reaction that helps prevent desiccation under these conditions of extreme stress. The roll and droop should go away when the extreme condition is absent. Since the same condition can be caused by root fungi which thrive in warm moist conditions, it is important not to over-water. If the soil is truly dry, then watering approximately once a week in normal soils may be helpful. Sandy soils require more irrigation. The soil should not remain wet. |
Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum. If you are a member, please log in. If you aren't yet a member, join now!
Return to the Azalea & Rhododendron Forum
Instructions
- You must be a registered member and logged in to post messages on our forums.
- Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review the contents and make changes.
- After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
- It is illegal to post copyrighted material without the owner's consent.
- HTML codes are allowed in the message field only.
- No advertising is allowed in any of the forums.
- If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
- If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.