Fungal diseases are rare in palm trees. However, Mediterranean plants are very sensitive to waterlogging. As a result, the dreaded root rot, which is promoted by fungi, often occurs.
How do you treat fungal infection on a palm tree?
Palm trees can be affected by fungal infections, especially sooty mold or root rot. Waterlogging can promote root rot, while sooty mold is usually caused by lice. Palm trees should be isolated, cleaned and treated for lice infestations. Only careful watering and good drainage can help against root rot.
Sootdew
This is shown by black or brown spots on the leaves. Since it primarily forms on the excrement of lice, you should examine the fronds carefully.
Remedy
- Isolate the palm tree so that the pests do not attack other plants.
- Shower thoroughly.
- Then apply an insecticide tailored to the pest.
Root rot
This is caused by incorrect watering behavior. If the water cannot drain away properly after watering, for example because the water drain is blocked, or if excess liquid remains in the saucer, the root ball will become waterlogged. The lack of oxygen and fungi that are spreading as a result of the poor microclimate are destroying the roots. The palm tree dries up even though it has been watered sufficiently.
Remedy
There are no pesticides against root rot. However, you can try to move the plant and save it.
- Carefully unpot the palm tree. You will probably now notice a musty, musty smell that comes from the harmful fungi and the rot.
- Carefully remove the wet substrate.
- Damaged roots are no longer crisp, but feel soft and mushy.
- Cut these off with sharp, clean scissors.
As long as the entire root ball has not died, the palm tree can certainly recover. Place the plant in a pot with fresh substrate. This should have a sufficiently large water outlet so that the plant no longer gets wet feet in the future.
Only water when the top centimeters of soil feel dry (thumb test). Pour away any excess moisture in the coaster after a few minutes.
Tip
Sometimes mealybugs are confused with fungal infestation because the little creatures that are wiped off appear to collect dust and leave a strange coating behind. Under the magnifying glass you can clearly identify the harmful insects so that targeted treatment can be carried out.