Just another milkweed question...

[harpo787]

My one milkweed that's been attacked by aphids (all since gone) and red spider mites (who I THINK are all gone) now has patches of some of reddish brown color on them. However, that's not the first thing I noticed (this is mostly on the underside of the leaves mind you).

The top of the leaves (well, quite a few anyway) have white spots. They are not removable by wiping them off (I think the red-brown stuff is). Just wondering what it might be. Trauma of the plant from all the infestations? Or just something new to the mix? Interestingly enough, the other two milkweeds I have are from Home Depot and have not been touched by any insect and/or fungal type infestation. In fact, they're growing beautifully and I'm hoping to spot some cats soon in mom's garden. The rest of the garden is blooming nicely as well.

I'll see if I can get a pic or two of the white spottage.

[Sarah]

We periodically have aphid and spider mite problems with our milkweeds in the greenhouse, too. If your plants were heavily infested, then the white spots are just a by-product of that infestation. The reddish brown spots are just reside from the spider mites. If the critters are gone, any new growth will look just fine. We often cut back the plants that have been hit hard; this keeps them nice and full. (Especially since the damaged leaves aren't any good for feeding.) If your Home Depot plants are new, they are probably ok because they were hit with a pesticide; many states have regulations and plants must be bug free to be sold. If they aren't new, maybe they are just lucky & you got rid of the bad bugs before they spread! Good luck!