- Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. callistephi): Stunted growth, yellowing or scorching of foliage, collapse. Vascular system discolored.
- Verticillium wilt: Same symptoms as Fusarium wilt. Disease not specific to China aster and may be severe in soil where other crops susceptible to Verticillium have been grown previously.
- Aster yellows: Caused by a phytoplasma (previously called a MLO) carried by the aster leafhopper. Plants may be chlorotic and misshapen; flowers may be entirely or partially virescent (green).
- Rust: Pustules filled with orange-colored powdery spores on leaf undersides.
- Botrytis: Spotting of petals or leaves.