Fuchsia Gall Mite was introduced into the Bay Area in 1984, causing much damage to fuchsia gardens and nurseries. The growing tips and blooms on the affected plant shrivel and curl, looking similar to peach leaf curl. The mites are microscopic in size and the gnarling of the plant growth protects them from predators and sprays.

The gall mite cannot be entirely eliminated, but it can be controlled if we are vigilant. When mite damage is found, act immediately, not on the weekend, next month or “later.” Every day you delay, more mites are hatched!

If the plant is in a container, move it to an area away from other fuchsias. The first line of attack is to cut away the damaged material. Trim back to three or four nodes below the affected area. Use alcohol to sterilize the clippers after each cut. I even dip my hands into the alcohol, too. Put each clipping directly into a plastic bag. Clean up any litter around the base of the plant. If the plant is growing in the ground, inspect it carefully to get all the galling. AFS President Rodney Bergquist recommends that all leaves even be removed. Tie the plastic bag shut and put it in the sun to “cook” then put it in the garbage.

Brushing against a diseased plant could possibly infect other plants as you walk through the garden. Think of ways you can minimize accidentally “giving the mites a free ride!”

One cup 70% alcohol mixed with one quart water (a 1–4 ratio) is a contact spray that will kill any insect that it hits. This can be effective as a control if you are diligent, checking your plants every few days and acting immediately at first sign of gall mite. Realize, too, that one treatment will not be enough. The damaged plants may need more trimming and spraying.

A commercial product that has gall mite control on its label is Ortho’s® Orthenex Garden Insect & Disease Control. When sprayed on plants as directed, the leaves absorb it for lasting systemic insect and disease protection that will not wash off with rain or watering. The plant should first have the damaged areas cut off as was done before the alcohol spray. Read the directions on the spray bottle and follow the safety precautions.

Keep a record of the plants that have gall mite and how and when they were treated. If, at the end of summer, certain plants seem more prone to gall mite, you might consider getting rid of them. If one area in the garden seems to have more incidents, perhaps it needs to be cleaned out and fuchsias kept out of that area for a season.