Dragon trees are such popular houseplants not least because they are actually relatively easy to care for. If brown spots suddenly appear on the leaves of the dragon tree, you should definitely take the time to analyze any problems in more detail.
What to do if there are brown spots on the dragon tree?
Brown spots on the dragon tree can be caused by care errors such as roots that are too dry or wet, direct sunlight or incorrect fertilization. Diseases such as Fusarium leaf spots, bacterial blight or fungal infections are also possible causes. Good care and the timely removal of infected leaves are essential for prevention and treatment.
Illnesses don’t always have to be to blame
On the dragon tree, it is important to distinguish between brown spots in the middle of the leaf, brown leaf tips and leaves that turn yellow or brown and die. While it is normal for the lowest leaves to die off regularly while fresh leaves are formed at the same time, if the tips of the leaves are brown, the location should be checked and the humidity adjusted if necessary. The following care errors can sometimes be the reason for brown leaves or brown spots on the leaves:
- roots that are too dry or too wet
- a location with direct sunlight
- incorrect or incorrectly dosed fertilization
If the spots on the leaves are accompanied by bleaching or yellowing of the leaves, this may be due to the plant being fertilized with too much nitrogen.
The main diseases that cause brown leaves to appear on the dragon tree
Really unsightly brown spots on the leaves of the dragon tree can be due to a disease in the plant, especially if they spread suddenly. The so-called Fusarium leaf spots are among the diseases that are quite common in dragon trees. Bacteria are often the reason why a dragon tree gets brown spots on the leaves due to so-called bacterial blight. The spots that appear are dark brown and watery. Infected leaves must then be removed as quickly as possible and disposed of in such a way that the bacteria cannot infect other plants. The same procedure applies if the spots appear as a symptom of a fungal disease with purple-bordered brown spots. Although there are certain fungicides and antidotes for treating infected dragon trees, what is more important is a general focus on plant he alth.
Preparing the dragon tree against diseases through good care
Many plant diseases can only spread massively to the affected plants when they have already been weakened by deficiency symptoms and care errors. Thoughtful and prudent care is therefore one of the best ways to prevent various leaf diseases in dragon trees.
Tip
In severe cases, dragon trees with lots of brown spots on the leaves can no longer be saved. In general, the right fertilization in combination with the right amount of sunlight and water can ensure a strong defense against fungal spores and bacteria in the dragon tree.
