Download Cuphea (Mexican Heather)

Mexican Heather
Cuphea spp.
Propagation
Cuphea is usually propagated by softwood stem tip cuttings in early summer. Rooting
should occur in 3-6 weeks under intermittent mist.
Pests and Diseases
The current Insect Management Guide for Commercial Foliage and Woody Ornamentals
can be found at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IG012. The current Professional Disease
Management Guide for Ornamental Plants can be found at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/PP123.
Root rot diseases (Phytophthora and Pythium spp., Rhizoctonia solani)
Recognition: Above-ground symptoms are poor growth, thinning of the foliage, and
yellowing of leaves, with the oldest foliage affected first. These symptoms may be
one-sided on the plant. Wet rots cause a soft decay of the outer layers of roots,
which can be easily stripped off between two fingers, leaving the firm, white stele
intact as in the photo below.
Contributing factors: The disease is triggered by
periods of excessive soil moisture. Conditions that
favor disease development include planting too
deep, poor drainage, shallow rooting, and poor
water management.
Management recommendations: Check roots of
nursery-grown plants before planting into the
landscape. Provide adequate drainage, and reduce
irrigation. Apply labeled fungicides if problem is diagnosed early and cultural
problems corrected. Commercial control measures can be found at
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/PP123.
Flea beetle (Altica sp.)
Recognition: The flea beetle is a metallic blue-green beetle that jumps when disturbed.
The beetle emerges in early spring and may attack many plants, especially crape
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myrtle and cuphea. The adult beetles scrape the
undersurface of the leaves leaving brown splotches
and severely damaging the plant.
Contributing factors:. Larvae develop in high
numbers on Evening Primrose weeds (Oenothera
spp.) and the adults disperse to other plants.
Management recommendations: Several
insecticide applications targeted to the adult
beetles are often necessary. Natural enemies prey
upon the beetle when on its weed host, but have
little impact when on other plants. Commercial pest management
recommendations can be found at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IG012.
Root knot nematodes
Recognition: Poor growth, plant decline, yellowing leaves and thinning of the canopy may
be symptoms of nematode infestation. Infected roots have obvious galls and may be
brown and stunted.
Contributing factors: The highest populations of
nematodes occur in well-drained sandy soils where
previous crops have supported high levels of
nematodes.
Management recommendations: Keep plants
as healthy as possible with adequate water and
fertilizer to support new roots. No chemical
controls are available for use on existing plants.
When replacing plants, remove all roots and
replace soil. Avoid replanting with susceptible
species, or treat soil before replanting.
Sources:
1. Short, Donald E., Gary W. Simone and Robert A. Dunn. 2001. Commercial
Ornamental Nursery Scouting Manual. University of Florida IFAS Extension SP 235.
2. University of Florida Landscape Plant propagation Information http://hort.ufl.edu/lppi/
3. University of Florida Woody Bug Website. http://woodypest.ifas.ufl.edu/
Prepared by:
Juanita Popenoe, PhD, Extension Faculty, Regional Commercial Horticulture
Lake County Extension, 1951 Woodlea Rd., Tavares, FL 32778-4052
Tel.: (352) 343-4101, FAX: (352) 343-2767 January 2008
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Science (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and
other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation,
marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE,
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA, IFAS, FLORIDA A. & M. UNIVERSITY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION PROGRAM, AND BOARDS OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS COOPERATING.
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