Troubleshooting
Chrysanthemum 'Time Piece' problems — and how to fix them
Chrysanthemum 'Time Piece' (Chrysanthemum 'Time Piece') 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.
Powdery mildew
White powdery coating develops on leaves in dry, warm conditions with poor airflow. Apply a sulphur or potassium bicarbonate spray and improve spacing.
Aphids
Dense colonies on soft new growth. Treat with a strong water jet or insecticidal soap. Encourage natural predators such as lacewings.
Leaf miners
Winding pale tunnels through leaf tissue. Remove and destroy affected leaves. Insecticides have limited effect on larvae inside the leaf.
Chrysanthemum white rust
Creamy pustules on leaf undersides. A notifiable disease in some regions. Remove and destroy infected plants and avoid importing untested stock.
Leggy growth
Result of insufficient light or lack of pinching. Pinch out growing tips in late spring to promote branching and a compact habit.
Prevent chrysanthemum 'time piece' problems before they start
Most chrysanthemum 'time piece' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Chrysanthemum 'Time Piece' problems — FAQ
Why is my chrysanthemum 'time piece' powdery mildew?
White powdery coating develops on leaves in dry, warm conditions with poor airflow. Apply a sulphur or potassium bicarbonate spray and improve spacing.
Why is my chrysanthemum 'time piece' aphids?
Dense colonies on soft new growth. Treat with a strong water jet or insecticidal soap. Encourage natural predators such as lacewings.
Why is my chrysanthemum 'time piece' leaf miners?
Winding pale tunnels through leaf tissue. Remove and destroy affected leaves. Insecticides have limited effect on larvae inside the leaf.
Why is my chrysanthemum 'time piece' chrysanthemum white rust?
Creamy pustules on leaf undersides. A notifiable disease in some regions. Remove and destroy infected plants and avoid importing untested stock.
Why is my chrysanthemum 'time piece' leggy growth?
Result of insufficient light or lack of pinching. Pinch out growing tips in late spring to promote branching and a compact habit.