Fuchsia gall mite

Fuchsia plants develop distinctive blisterlike galls on leaves and stems, typically appearing in late spring and intensifying through summer in Puget Sound gardens. The galls range from small pimple-like protrusions to larger blotchy areas that cause leaves to become distorted, curled, and eventually discolored. Affected foliage takes on a reddish or brownish hue. Microscopic eriophyid mites (0.2 mm) live inside the galls and are invisible to the naked eye.

Prune out heavily galled branches and dispose of them away from the garden. Maintain good air circulation and avoid overhead watering, which favors mite reproduction. Isolate affected plants to prevent spread. Sulfur dust applied early in the season may suppress mites. Focus on removing plant material as the primary management strategy during the Western Washington season.