Recognizing Common Problems with Asters
As plants go, asters are relatively problem free. There are, however, several common aster pests and diseases that can become a problem if left untreated. Some aster plant diseases are more superficial than anything, and will not affect the plants’ health or ability to bloom. These include rust and powdery mildew. They can be treated with fungicide. Some other more serious diseases are root rot, wilt, and foot rot, all of which can result in the death of the plant. Avoid rots by planting asters only in well-draining soil. Avoid wilt by planting only resistant varieties. Botrytis blight is another disease that will kill off blossoms. This can usually be prevented by careful watering – blight tends to form where the plants are wet.
Managing Common Aster Pests
Pests can pose serious problems with asters. Spider mites and lace bugs are often a problem, and while they won’t kill the plants, they will give them an unhealthy appearance. Some other common aster pests are:
Leaf miners Leafhoppers Soft scale Thrips Caterpillars
A good way to avoid insects is to keep the leaves of the asters dry, and to plant them with good spacing, also taking care to clear weeds and debris – bugs tend to thrive in moist, overgrown areas. If you have a heavy infestation, apply insecticide according to the directions on the bottle.
Other Aster Plant Problems
Apart from pests and disease, asters can also suffer from too much or too little water. They prefer well-draining soil and frequent watering and will start to wilt if their roots become waterlogged or dried out. Taller varieties of aster will sometimes fall over under their own weight and need to be staked.
