Foliar nematodes are a leaf-infesting nematode species. The foliar nematodes affect ferns, begonias, lilies, chrysanthemums, gloxinias, orchids, verbena, and African violets. The symptoms of these nematodes include discolored angular to wedge shaped blotches or stripes in the leaves. The leaves may become malformed or stunted and even die. The leaves start to die from the bottom of the plant and then moves up. This nematode species overwinters in dormant buds, and dead leaves. These nematodes can infect indoor plants also.

When the symptoms appear, remove and burn infected indoor plants. When the outdoor plants go dormant in the fall, cut them off and burn the plant residue. Then apply dry mulch, avoid overhead watering, and eliminate weeds to help prevent reinfection.Use an insecticidal soap or ZeroTol (a concentrated solution of hydrogen peroxide) should be applied when symptoms become evident. This is a "contact-kill" and has no residual benefits. Although there are nematicides labeled for nursery use, these products are EXTREMELY toxic, especially to fish and wildlife, and are not available to the homeowner. Misapplication of these pesticides has been linked to death of hundreds of songbirds, fish and wildlife. It truly has no place in the home landscape.