From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Beach Park, IL.

And I don't know why. I don't know if any of you have experience with luffa gourds, but I had 3 of them growing. Not long after I put them into the ground, they all looked fine, but one day the first one was a bit droopy. Next thing I know it is dying. Nothing was broke and everything appeared to be healthy. Well, the first one is gone. Oh well, I have 2 more, I thought. Now yesterday I noticed the second one is drooping like it is about to go next. Today it looks just as sad. The third is fine, but I am afraid whatever fate this is, will hit it too. They are all well watered. What could this be??? I know there are a bunch of little ants that congregate on it, but I didn't think ants could do any harm??

6/22/2007 12:12:59 PM

Billerica,Massachusetts

ants usually indicate the presence of aphids.
Glenn

6/22/2007 12:50:32 PM

Beach Park, IL.

I thought about that since my wisterias were attacked before with them. I didn't note any aphids, but we put down moth balls and some vinegar to see if it was a critter or cat using it as the bathroom. That's the only thing we can think of. I also sprayed with insecticide as well.

6/23/2007 10:52:52 AM

The fast death sounds like a bug eating through the inside of the plant, or a fast-acting disease. Can't say much else though.

6/23/2007 11:47:52 AM

Rochester, Minnesota

Did you get a chance to dig the root on the first ones to die? Sounds like something attacking the root or just rot from too much moisture.

6/26/2007 1:51:12 PM

Beach Park, IL.

Yeah I didn't see much different than typical roots. It did pull out easily from the ground, but then, it wasn't in the ground that long anyway. I planted a cuke in its spot, and it is doing fine. My other 2 luffas have been wilting. I noticed in the evening, I watered them, and about an hour later, they perked up and looked like happy healthy plants, like nothing is going on but that they needed some water. I go out this morning, and they are horribly wilted again like they are on their last legs. They soil still was a bit moist, but by afternoon the soil seems dry again. I know they are supposed to be in the sun. Perhaps they don't like my soil?? Whatever the case, I went out and bought 2 more cucumber plants to replace them as it seems like they aren't going to make it.

6/27/2007 3:06:25 PM