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Re: Leucodendron argenteum

The Leucadendron is probably going to die.  I have been considering writing
a response to recent messages that have been asking this question.

	HELP!  My (insert almost any plant name here) is not doing well.
It was growing well and than suddendly took a turn for the worse.  I was
careful with watering, I don't see any insects.  Can you tell me what I did
wrong?

In the nursery I have lost many plants this summer.  Several favored plants
in my garden also suddenly succumbed.  Many of my customers also reported
seemingly unexplained losses.  I am beginning to believe that the culprit
is an usually unseen enemy.  Hot humid weather that leads to root diseases.
Phytophtora, Phythium spp., Rhizoctonia; the crown and root rots that
bedevil gardeners.  In cooler weather these diseases are much less a
problem. When the weather is hot and humid fungi explode into growth.
These soil borne fungi attack the roots and disrupt the flow of water and
nutrients to the leaves and stems.  For discussion we can say that most
healthy roots are white in color (there are of course plants with colored
roots) and are plump and firm.  The diseased roots will be off color, not
plump and firm and the outer surface easily sloughs off.

So if this is the problem, what the heck do we do about it.  Well first we
could move to England where the weather is cooler.  Praying for an end to
this ridiculous hot and humid summer is good. Keeping the crown of the
plant high and dry is best.  Adequate air circulation helps.  I resort to
fungicides in the nursery.

P.S. I lost 3 Leucadendron argenteum in pots this season.  The leaves
started to droop and death followed soon.

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.......Jim Duggan			http://www.thebulbman.com
grower of Mediterranean Plants
    and South African Bulbs
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