Troubleshooting
Canna 'The President' problems — and how to fix them
Canna 'The President' (Canna 'The President') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Canna leaf roller
A very common pest of cannas; larvae roll leaves and feed inside. Check new growth weekly and remove by hand; apply Bt spray at first sign.
Aphids
Cluster on new growth and flower buds. Treat with a strong water blast or insecticidal soap spray; repeated treatments may be necessary.
Rust
Orange-brown pustules on leaf undersides in warm, humid weather. Remove and bin affected leaves; improve air circulation.
Rhizome rot in poor drainage
Standing water at the crown causes rot. Ensure good drainage and never plant into waterlogged ground.
Virus mosaic
Light and dark green mosaic pattern on leaves, often with distortion. Remove infected plants to prevent aphid-mediated spread.
Prevent canna 'the president' problems before they start
Most canna 'the president' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Canna 'The President' problems — FAQ
Why is my canna 'the president' canna leaf roller?
A very common pest of cannas; larvae roll leaves and feed inside. Check new growth weekly and remove by hand; apply Bt spray at first sign.
Why is my canna 'the president' aphids?
Cluster on new growth and flower buds. Treat with a strong water blast or insecticidal soap spray; repeated treatments may be necessary.
Why is my canna 'the president' rust?
Orange-brown pustules on leaf undersides in warm, humid weather. Remove and bin affected leaves; improve air circulation.
Why is my canna 'the president' rhizome rot in poor drainage?
Standing water at the crown causes rot. Ensure good drainage and never plant into waterlogged ground.
Why is my canna 'the president' virus mosaic?
Light and dark green mosaic pattern on leaves, often with distortion. Remove infected plants to prevent aphid-mediated spread.