Roses, Top Signs of Pests and Diseases on Leaves

Roses are the embodiment of beauty and grace in the plant world. The fragrance of roses compels us to bend our heads and drink deeply of their essence. A healthy rose that is well tended will provide an abundance of blooms and shiny emerald leaves.

Rose foliage can be harmed by pests but man continues to be the rose’s worst enemy. A person can over spray nutrients such as copper which will leave the leaf with reddish spots or sulphur which can chemically burn the leaf and create brown spots. A lack of nutrients will leave the foliage yellow. Too little water can kill the rose and too much water will rot the roots. The basic needs of the rose have to be attended to before jumping on the bandwagon that it is other pests that are causing the damage.

Signs of pests on the foliage of Roses:

• Sawflies both nymphs and adults will leave a leaf with only the framework left.
• Leaf Cutter Bees will leave ovals cut from the leaf’s edge.
• Beetles will chew on the foliage till there is a lace appearance on the leaf.
• Caterpillars make the leaf destroyed or rolled up and sometimes there are webs.
• Grasshoppers devour the leaves.
• Leafhoppers will make leaves spotted white.
• Spider Mites are easily noticeable if you turn the leaf over. The bottom will be covered in a fine web and the leaf will turn yellow with red or brown areas.

Signs of diseases on the foliage of Roses:

• Black Spot creates black spots on the leaf and it may turn yellow and drop off the plant.
• Leaf Spots leave brown spots with purple borders or grey spots with small black dots.
• Powdery mildews create a white leaf with curled edges.
• Rose Rust leaves orange and black boils underneath the leaf.

The foliage of a rose plant can show signs of infestation or pest or diseases. The way a leaf is eaten, rolled up or signs of webs can give hints of what the pest may be. Curled edges, boils, black, orange, grown or grey spots are an indication that your rose plant may have a disease. The foliage of a rose plant tells the story whether it is healthy and green or that something is up. Always remember to apply the appropriate amount of nutrients specified by the brand you are using. Water your roses but don’t drown them. Roses that are taken care of are less at a risk to be devastated by pests or susceptible to disease.

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