Non-Infectious Diseases of Common Houseplants

Noninfectious factors: Light Water Temperature Nutrients Mites and Insects

Hedera helix with marginal burn caused by excess fertilizer.

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Many of us enjoy our green interior landscapes, especially as the winter months unfold and our exterior landscapes become covered with snow. But winter's lower light and humidity levels reduce plant vitality, frequently resulting in problems with insects, mites, and various abiotic (caused by non-living factors) diseases.

Accurate diagnosis of these problems can be difficult, so the January 2001 APSnet Feature takes a look at light, nutrient, water, and temperature imbalances, and insect and mite infestations of common ornamental foliage plants.

-- J. B. Ristaino

Read The January 2001 Feature . . .

The January 2001 feature story was compiled by APS staff from the following publications (available from the APS Press Bookstore):

Compendium of Ornamental Foliage Plant Diseases  
by Ann R. Chase;

Compendium of Flowering Potted Plant Diseases  
by Margery L. Daughtrey, Robert L. Wick and Joseph L. Peterson;

Foliage Plant Diseases: Diagnosis and Control  
by Ann R. Chase;

Diseases and Disorders of Ornamental Palms  
by Ann R. Chase and T. K. Broschat.