Morning glory plants can develop leaf problems. Understanding symptoms and causes helps gardeners diagnose and address issues, restoring plant health.
Yellowing Morning Glory Leaves
Yellowing leaves often indicate environmental stress or nutrient imbalances. Both overwatering (suffocating roots) and underwatering (dehydration) can lead to yellowing. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Nutrient deficiencies also contribute to yellowing. Nitrogen deficiency typically yellows older, lower leaves first. Iron deficiency often yellows newer leaves between veins, while veins remain green (interveinal chlorosis). Adjusting soil pH or applying balanced fertilizer corrects these issues.
Sap-sucking pests like spider mites and aphids can cause yellowing or stippling. Fine webbing suggests spider mites.
Spots and Discoloration on Leaves
Morning glory leaves can develop various spots and discolorations, often from fungal diseases. Powdery mildew appears as white, powdery patches. Leaf spot diseases manifest as small, circular spots. Rust is another fungal issue, characterized by powdery pustules on leaf undersides. Manage problems by improving air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and removing affected leaves.
Environmental factors can also cause leaf discoloration. Sunburn may result in irregular bleached or scorched areas, especially with sudden intense sunlight. Chemical spray damage, from herbicides or other garden products, can create irregular spots and distorted growth. Proper application and avoiding windy conditions during spraying prevent this damage.
Holes and Chewed Leaves
Holes, ragged edges, or chewed areas on morning glory leaves usually indicate pests. Caterpillars create irregular holes. Slugs and snails leave irregular holes and silvery slime trails. Beetles, such as the golden tortoise beetle, create small to medium-sized holes, sometimes giving leaves a lacy appearance.
Hand-picking larger pests like caterpillars and beetles is effective for minor infestations. For slugs and snails, baits or physical barriers help. For severe damage, organic controls like Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for caterpillars or insecticidal soaps for chewing insects can be applied.
Wilting or Drooping Leaves
Wilting or drooping leaves indicate insufficient water uptake. Underwatering causes dry soil and loss of leaf rigidity. Overwatering can lead to wilting by causing root rot, preventing effective water absorption.
Heat stress can cause leaves to temporarily droop during the hottest parts of the day, especially for container plants. Providing afternoon shade or relocating the plant alleviates this. Transplant shock, following repotting or moving, temporarily disrupts water uptake, causing wilting until the plant re-establishes. Fusarium oxysporum, a soil-borne fungus, can lead to wilting.
Stunted or Deformed Leaves
Stunted, crinkled, or deformed leaves often result from sap-sucking pests or viral infections. Aphids, thrips, and leafhoppers feed on new growth, injecting toxins that cause leaves to curl or distort. Aphids are visible clusters of small insects, while thrips can cause silvery streaks. Viral infections, such as sweet potato leaf curl virus, lead to mosaic patterns, yellowing, and severe distortion; infected plants should be removed to prevent spread.
Herbicide drift, where weed killers inadvertently contact morning glories, can cause severe leaf deformities, including cupping, twisting, or abnormal elongation, particularly on new growth. Protecting plants during nearby herbicide applications helps avoid such damage.
Preventing Morning Glory Leaf Problems
Proactive care prevents many morning glory leaf problems. Proper watering involves watering deeply when the top inch or two of soil feels dry, ensuring consistent moisture without waterlogging. Adequate sunlight is important, as morning glories thrive with at least six hours of direct sun daily, strengthening overall health.
Planting in well-draining soil prevents root issues by allowing excess water to escape. Amending heavy soils with organic matter improves drainage and aeration. Good air circulation, achieved by proper plant spacing, helps keep foliage dry and reduces fungal disease risk. Regularly inspecting plants for early signs of pests or disease allows prompt, effective intervention. Providing balanced nutrition through healthy soil or appropriate fertilization supports strong growth and resilience.