Lantana is known for its colorful blooms and ability to thrive in various conditions, including drought. It also attracts pollinators. Despite its hardiness, lantana can encounter common pests and diseases that affect its vigor. Understanding these issues helps maintain healthy plants.
Common Lantana Pests
Whiteflies
Whiteflies are tiny white insects that gather on the undersides of lantana leaves. Infestations cause yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and honeydew. To manage them, use a strong water spray to dislodge them, or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to leaf undersides. Remove heavily infested foliage to reduce populations.
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that feed on plant sap, causing leaves to curl, yellow, or drop. They also excrete honeydew. Manual removal, a water spray, or introducing natural predators like ladybugs can control aphid populations. Insecticidal soap and neem oil are also effective.
Lace bugs
Lace bugs are small insects with lace-like wings. They feed on leaf undersides, causing a mottled or stippled appearance on upper surfaces, often with small black droppings. Severe infestations can cause leaves to yellow, brown, or whiten before dropping, and may reduce flowering. Pruning affected material, using horticultural oil or insecticidal soap, or encouraging beneficial insects can help manage them.
Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids. Their feeding causes leaves to develop a mottled or stippled appearance, and fine webbing may be visible during heavy infestations. They thrive in hot, dry conditions. Treatment involves strong water sprays, especially on leaf undersides, or applying insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Repeat treatments every few days until pests are gone.
Common Lantana Diseases
Powdery mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease appearing as a white powdery coating on lantana leaves and stems. It occurs in humid conditions or shade, leading to distorted or discolored leaves. It can weaken the plant. Treatment involves rinsing affected parts, applying neem oil every few weeks, or using a fungicide.
Root rot
Root rot is a condition caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing leaves, and plant decline, as roots become soft and discolored. Managing root rot requires improving soil drainage, adjusting watering practices, and applying fungicides.
Leaf spot diseases
Leaf spot diseases appear as dark spots or lesions on lantana leaves. These spots can expand, causing wilting, discoloration, and premature leaf drop. Fungal or bacterial infections, often due to excessive moisture, are common causes. Removing infected parts, avoiding overhead watering, and applying appropriate fungicides can help manage them.
Sooty mold
Sooty mold is a black, powdery coating that grows on honeydew excreted by sap-sucking insects like whiteflies and aphids. It blocks sunlight, hindering photosynthesis and reducing plant vigor. Addressing the underlying insect infestation is the primary way to eliminate sooty mold, as it disappears once its food source is gone.
Preventative Measures and General Care
Lantana thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Growing lantana in shady areas increases its susceptibility to issues like powdery mildew. Ensuring proper air circulation around plants also helps prevent fungal diseases by reducing humidity.
Proper watering practices are important for lantana health. While established plants are drought-tolerant, consistent deep watering is beneficial during dry periods. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot; allow the top few inches of soil to dry between waterings. Containers need drainage holes.
Balanced nutrient management supports plant vigor. Lantana does not require frequent fertilization; excessive fertilizer can reduce flowering and increase disease susceptibility. A light application of balanced fertilizer in spring is often sufficient.
Regular inspection allows early detection of pests or diseases, making treatment more effective. Check leaf undersides and new growth for early signs of trouble. Garden sanitation, such as promptly removing fallen leaves and other plant debris, eliminates potential hiding spots for pests and disease spores. Starting with healthy, disease-free plants from reputable sources provides a strong foundation.