Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →

White Spots on Hibiscus Leaves

...
Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Hibiscus plants require cultivated loam and peat soil, direct sunlight and daily watering. While these flowers are already high maintenance, white leaf spots regularly complicate hibiscus growing. White hibiscus leaf spots are a common but serious concern for your plant's health.

Cause

Mildew is typically responsible for white spots on hibiscus leaves. Spider mites can also cause white leaf spots. Spider mites sometimes attack hibiscus plants, so do not write off this possible cause, but mites prefer more arid plants, so mildew is the more likely culprit.

Effects

Mildew is a fungus that thrives in moist environments. It sucks nutrients out of the plant and gradually kills the hibiscus. Spider mites are microscopic bugs that also feed off the plant's nutrients, slowly killing it.

  • Hibiscus plants require cultivated loam and peat soil, direct sunlight and daily watering.
  • Mildew is typically responsible for white spots on hibiscus leaves.

Identification

Mildew presents itself as powdery white spots that grow on the surface of the leaves. Spider mite damage removes pigment from the leaf, creating spots of white, gray or yellow discoloration ingrained in the leaf itself. Spider mites also weave small, whitish webs throughout the plant.

Solution

Mildew-damaged leaves should be snipped off at the point where they join the stalk. This usually restores plant health, but the book “Pests and Diseases” recommends applying fungicidal spray to the plant to prevent future mildew growth. Combat mite infestations with pesticides or predatory Phytoseiulus mites.

Grow White Hibiscus

Choose a sunny growing space in which to plant the hibiscus. When planting multiple hibiscus, allow at least 3 feet of space between plants. The National Gardening Association recommends planting in the spring, summer or fall. Place the starter hibiscus in the hole and fill the hole halfway with well-drained soil. Use up to 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of growing space. Spray the plants with horticultural oil or wash with insecticidal soaps, as needed, to remove mites and other insects.

  • Mildew presents itself as powdery white spots that grow on the surface of the leaves.
  • This usually restores plant health, but the book “Pests and Diseases” recommends applying fungicidal spray to the plant to prevent future mildew growth.

Related Articles

Hibiscus Care Instructions
Hibiscus Care Instructions
Problems With Hibiscus Plants
Problems With Hibiscus Plants
Why Are My Hibiscus Leaves Turning Yellow?
Why Are My Hibiscus Leaves Turning Yellow?
How Often Do You Water a Hibiscus Plant?
How Often Do You Water a Hibiscus Plant?
How to Care for White Spots on Pachira Plants
How to Care for White Spots on Pachira Plants
How to Care for Hibiscus Plants Indoors
How to Care for Hibiscus Plants Indoors
Small Black Bugs on a Hibiscus Plant
Small Black Bugs on a Hibiscus Plant
What Is Eating My Hibiscus?
What Is Eating My Hibiscus?
How to Winterize Hibiscus
How to Winterize Hibiscus
The Temperature Zone for Hibiscus
The Temperature Zone for Hibiscus
White Spots on a House Plant
White Spots on a House Plant
How to Cure Mildew on Hibiscus
How to Cure Mildew on Hibiscus
How to Plant Hibiscus & Make Them Grow in Texas
How to Plant Hibiscus & Make Them Grow in Texas
Hibiscus Plant Diseases
Hibiscus Plant Diseases
The Leaves on My Gardenia Bushes Are Turning Brown on the Ends
The Leaves on My Gardenia Bushes Are Turning Brown...
White Plant Fungus
White Plant Fungus
Can Hibiscus Grow in Southern California Winters?
Can Hibiscus Grow in Southern California Winters?
White Bugs on Hibiscus Plant
White Bugs on Hibiscus Plant
Garden Guides
×