Troubleshooting
Keiske's Leucothoe problems — and how to fix them
Keiske's Leucothoe (Leucothoe keiskei) 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.
Root rot (Phytophthora)
The most common cause of plant death; avoid poorly drained soil or overwatering. If stems blacken at the base, remove affected material and improve drainage immediately.
Lace bugs
Tiny sap-sucking insects cause silvery stippling on leaf upper surfaces. Check the undersides of leaves; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil spray, targeting the undersides.
Powdery mildew
Can develop in still, humid conditions. Improve air circulation around the plant and avoid wetting foliage when watering.
Prevent keiske's leucothoe problems before they start
Most keiske's leucothoe issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Keiske's Leucothoe problems — FAQ
Why is my keiske's leucothoe root rot (phytophthora)?
The most common cause of plant death; avoid poorly drained soil or overwatering. If stems blacken at the base, remove affected material and improve drainage immediately.
Why is my keiske's leucothoe lace bugs?
Tiny sap-sucking insects cause silvery stippling on leaf upper surfaces. Check the undersides of leaves; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil spray, targeting the undersides.
Why is my keiske's leucothoe powdery mildew?
Can develop in still, humid conditions. Improve air circulation around the plant and avoid wetting foliage when watering.