Troubleshooting
Dahlia 'Cafe au Lait' problems — and how to fix them
Dahlia 'Cafe au Lait' (Dahlia 'Cafe au Lait') 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 powder on leaves in warm, dry conditions; improve air circulation and apply a fungicide spray.
Aphids
Cluster on new shoot tips; knock off with water jet or treat with insecticidal soap.
Earwigs
Feed on petals overnight leaving ragged holes; trap with rolled newspaper or damp cardboard placed near plants.
Tuber rot
Caused by waterlogged soil or frost damage; lift tubers after first frost, dry thoroughly, and store in frost-free conditions.
Slugs and snails
Damage young shoots in spring; protect new growth with slug pellets or physical barriers.
Prevent dahlia 'cafe au lait' problems before they start
Most dahlia 'cafe au lait' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Dahlia 'Cafe au Lait' problems — FAQ
Why is my dahlia 'cafe au lait' powdery mildew?
White powder on leaves in warm, dry conditions; improve air circulation and apply a fungicide spray.
Why is my dahlia 'cafe au lait' aphids?
Cluster on new shoot tips; knock off with water jet or treat with insecticidal soap.
Why is my dahlia 'cafe au lait' earwigs?
Feed on petals overnight leaving ragged holes; trap with rolled newspaper or damp cardboard placed near plants.
Why is my dahlia 'cafe au lait' tuber rot?
Caused by waterlogged soil or frost damage; lift tubers after first frost, dry thoroughly, and store in frost-free conditions.
Why is my dahlia 'cafe au lait' slugs and snails?
Damage young shoots in spring; protect new growth with slug pellets or physical barriers.