Plant collapse

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by Michael Hewett, Jul 28, 2022.

  1. Michael Hewett

    Michael Hewett Total Gardener

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    The leaves on this plant called Strobilanthes atropurpurea suddenly started turning black and now the whole plant has collapsed.
    Can anyone suggest some reason for this and any advice on what I should do with it ... it has one new branch with unaffected leaves but I'm afraid this will also go the same way.
    I can't find any information on line :frown:

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    • JWK

      JWK Gardener Staff Member

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      I don't know anything about this plant but being so sudden suggest a physical attack, in the roots maybe vine weevil ?
       
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      • JWK

        JWK Gardener Staff Member

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        Can you easily take it out the pot to check. Wait for others to comment first as I am guessing in the dark.
         
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        • noisette47

          noisette47 Total Gardener

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          Hello Michael, I had a look on the French sites and can't find any reference to known problems. It sounds and looks like a sudden fungal attack. On the bright side, it's considered almost impossible to do unsuccessful cuttings, so I'd do some quick from the remaining stem!
           
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          • ricky101

            ricky101 Total Gardener

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            Agree it does look like some fungal problem, though could it also be a severe case of red spider mite as well ?
             
          • Michael Hewett

            Michael Hewett Total Gardener

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            Thanks for replies and advice @JWK @noisette47 @ricky101
            It could be a fungal attack (can't see evidence of red spider mite) so I've cut all the dead stems off and noticed some new growth coming from below compost level. I may treat it with a fungicide and hope for good results.
            I don't think it can be vine weevil because the leaves all turned black and crisp whereas with vine weevil I think they would have wilted.
            I may tip it out of the pot later on when I get a chance to have a look at the roots, maybe there's another problem there.
             
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