Troubleshooting
Chrysanthemum problems — and how to fix them
Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum × morifolium) 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.
Leggy growth, few flowers
Too little sun or no pinching. Grow in full sun and pinch shoot tips through early summer to build a dense, bud-laden plant.
Powdery mildew and leaf spot
White film or dark blotches on crowded, damp foliage. Improve airflow, avoid overhead watering, and remove affected leaves.
Aphids and chrysanthemum leaf miner
Aphids cluster on buds; leaf-miner larvae tunnel pale trails in leaves. Inspect regularly and remove or treat infested growth.
Wilting in pots
Florist mums dry out quickly when root-bound and in full flower. Keep evenly watered and pot on or plant out after flowering.
Prevent chrysanthemum problems before they start
Most chrysanthemum issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Chrysanthemum varieties: common problems
- Chrysanthemum 'Anastasia'
- Chrysanthemum 'Bronze Elegance'
- Chrysanthemum 'Emperor of China'
- Chrysanthemum 'Golden Cascade'
- Chrysanthemum 'Hillside Pink Sheffield'
- Chrysanthemum 'Innocence'
- Chrysanthemum 'Mei-kyo'
- Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Alfie'
- Chrysanthemum 'Ruby Mound'
- Chrysanthemum 'Salmon Allouise'
- Chrysanthemum 'Snowdon'
- Chrysanthemum 'Will's Wonderful'
…and 8 more varieties.
Looking for chrysanthemum in general rather than its problems? Read the full chrysanthemum care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Chrysanthemum problems — FAQ
Why is my chrysanthemum leggy growth, few flowers?
Too little sun or no pinching. Grow in full sun and pinch shoot tips through early summer to build a dense, bud-laden plant.
Why is my chrysanthemum powdery mildew and leaf spot?
White film or dark blotches on crowded, damp foliage. Improve airflow, avoid overhead watering, and remove affected leaves.
Why is my chrysanthemum aphids and chrysanthemum leaf miner?
Aphids cluster on buds; leaf-miner larvae tunnel pale trails in leaves. Inspect regularly and remove or treat infested growth.
Why is my chrysanthemum wilting in pots?
Florist mums dry out quickly when root-bound and in full flower. Keep evenly watered and pot on or plant out after flowering.