Gazania Problems

Poor Growing Conditions

• Gazania prefers hot, dry weather and doesn't do well in climates with cool nights and short growing seasons. The plant is more susceptible to disease and blooms often fail to open on cool, damp, overcast days. Gazania tolerates nearly any well-draining soil, including clay, loam, or soil that is acidic or alkaline. However, the plant performs best in light, sandy, acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0.

Powdery Mildew

• A gazania affected by powdery mildew will have powdery white patches on the leaves, stems and flowers. In time, the patches cover larger areas that eventually turn tan and feltlike. Powdery mildew often develops in damp spring weather and continues to thrive with warm, dry days and cool, damp nights. Plants in sunny areas are less likely to develop powdery mildew. Don't fertilize the plant, as gazania prefers poor to average soil and fertilizer weakens the plant. Similarly, water the plant only when the weather is warm and dry.

Rot

• Rot is usually the result of excessive watering or poorly drained soil. Gazania is a drought-loving plant best watered only when the weather is hot and dry. Water the plant deeply to saturate the roots to a depth of about 6 inches, then don't water again unless the soil is completely dry. The roots of a diseased plant look water-logged with a mushy, brown or black or reddish-pink color, depending on the type of rot. Although rot is often fatal, you may be able to save your plants by digging them up and rinsing the roots to remove the rotted tissue. If rinsing the roots reveals healthy, white roots, replant the gazania.

Mealybugs

• Gazania is rarely bothered by pests and infestations are generally light and don't pose a serious danger to the plant. Mealybugs are occasional unwanted visitors. If the infestation is light, wipe the pests off the plant with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Otherwise, spray gazania with a concentrated insecticidal soap mixed at a rate of 1 teaspoon per 1 quart of water. Coat both sides of the leaves, and repeat as needed every four to seven days. Check the label for dilution rates and instructions, as these vary among brands.