I Am Trying To Grow Tower Of Jewels But They Keep Dying, Why?

Question

Growing from seed, I had 4 plants and planted outside . Bottom leaves turn black and die , and there is white powdery stuff lying on upper leaves. Eventually the plant dies. I have one left. What is killing the plants? Thanks

• 

Answer 1

This is definitely a fungal infection, but it looks like it could be multiple on top of each other. Downy Mildew would be one of those. They need sandy soils, and prefer a cactus mix. You may try mixing in a cactus soil mix into the planting site before planting.

I would use a fungicide on the area, or solarize it before planting again.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/projects/how-to-solarize-garden-beds-to-eliminate-garden-pests-in-the-soil.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/tower-of-jewels/echium-tower-of-jewels-info.htm