Tropicals & Tender Perennials: what's going on??, 1 by bwilliams

bwilliams wrote:
This cupped up look can be caused by slight mutations in the plant similar to throwing out a false flower or double leaf or fused leaf. This is usually seen in hybrid plants or tetriploid plants. It is usually just a one or two time thing and the plant will grow out of it. In some cases it may become stable. I would keep a eye on it.

As for the blotches this is something I have been noticing for sometime on Colocasias and Alocasias. I don't think anyone is going to be happy with the rest of my message here. I am sure what you are seeing as odd blotches streaking in the leaves is in fact a virus. This seems to be a form of Mosaic virus. It looks to be the same virus effecting Cannas and I have even started seeing it on bananas. It can be spread from any sap transfer. This virus will not kill the plant and at times it may look completely gone if grown in good conditions but under stress or if heavily virused it will show up. It seems this virus will effect any Aroid so do be careful when cutting plants or using digging tools. From what I have gathered their are many forms of mosaic virus most can be in plants and never show a sign or even effect the growth of the plant. The problem is an Asian form of the virus that has been sweeping through the US for a number of years. This virus weakens the plant and can effect growth and vigor. Also if combined with other forms of the virus it can really effect a plants growth and at times even cause death. Most cannas tested had several forms of virus in them with no visual signs of it. All forms with this new Asian form of the virus all showed signs at least at some point while growing.

I am interested to hear what others think and have to say about this. Much like with cannas it is something I have deal with every day. Their seems little hope for a cure of the virus anytime soon. The best for now is clean tissue cultured plants.



Here is a picture of a virused black marble.