What's wrong with my Crepe Myrtle?

[bbelbuken]

Hello folks,

My crepe-myrtle has been acting weird for 2 weeks. First those random white powders popped up and then it got wilted after a few days. Leaf tips started to turn black and crispy and today more white powders and those little bugs that i've never seen before... (they move super fast) Can you tell me what is happening and how to solve this problem?

 

[Katie0317]

Spray it with neem oil or take it to a nursery and ask them what to use on it to kill whatever's eating it.
Good luck with it.

 

[Cajunrider]

You likely have aphids. Do what Katie said and spray it with Neem oil. That should take care of it.

 

[sorce]

First those random white powders popped up and then it got wilted after a few days

You went on a bender and forgot to water?

Them little fellers that move sideways all boss like? I reckon they are a leaf hopper.

I wouldn't put neem, as that's dangerous already in the full swing of summer, plus the compromised leaf edges will probably allow for the Neem to further penetrate and weaken the leaves.

Seems a fungus, which was likely brought by the pests.

Removing the affected leaves and having a sip of your favorite beverage would be my safe and sane option.

Sorce

 

[Katie0317]

Sorce, I suggested taking it to a nursery to find out exactly what's eating it. I wouldn't wait around much longer.

 

[penumbra]

Your crape myrtle has powdery mildew.
It may have insect problems as well but the mildew seems pretty glaring to me.

 

[Bonsai Nut]

(a) put it out in full sun (if it isn't already)
(b) rinse it, full blast, with a garden hose
(c) let dry
(d) spray it with neem oil
(e) success!

Worst case... defoliate the entire plant and then spray with neem oil. Same result. I can completely defoliate crepe myrtle two times in one summer with no ill effects.

 

[Gabler]

Your crepe myrtle is flatter than a pancake. Your crape myrtle has mildew, as mentioned, and it also appears to have those lacewing aphids, or whatever they’re called. The one in my front yard had both earlier this summer. For my yard tree, they went away on their own when it got hot and dry in June. For a bonsai, you may want to use an insecticide and fungicide while you work on keeping the foliage dry.