Its pretty, golden-spotted leaves have given the Aucuba japonica its German name: Japanese golden orange. The red berries ripen in autumn but are poisonous. If cared for well, the Aukube is quite robust and resistant to diseases and pests.
What diseases occur in Aucuba japonica and how can they be treated?
Aucuba japonica can be affected by scale insects, spider mites, sunburn or frost damage. Countermeasures include moving to a partially shaded location, cutting off damaged shoots and treating with biological agents such as plant broths or neem tree products.
What diseases occur in Aucuba japonica?
If the Aucuba japonica doesn't feel well, it occasionally suffers from scale insects or spider mites. In the summer it is easy to get sunburned if the location is not optimal. It's best to lie in light shade. Late or prolonged frost below around -5 to -10 °C causes young shoots in particular to freeze occasionally.
How can I help my Aucuba japonica?
The Aucuba japonica, which has sunburn, is quite easy to help. Place the pot in a semi-shady place, where the plant will recover very quickly. You can cut off the black leaves without hesitation.
If a few shoots or shoot tips of your Aucuba japonica have fallen victim to frost, then these should also be cut off. This is not just for cosmetic reasons, because the dry branches are an entry point for various pathogens. You can also use this opportunity to cut your aukube into shape a little.
You can fight spider mites and/or scale insects quite well with organic or home remedies. Make a plant broth of tansy or wormwood to spray on the plant, or use non-toxic neem tree products.
How do I prevent illnesses effectively?
The best preventative measures against diseases and pests are good care and the right location, this also applies to the Aukube. It needs a bright but not too sunny spot because it doesn't tolerate heat or the blazing midday sun particularly well. Extracts from chamomile, field horsetail and/or garlic additionally strengthen your plants.
The most important things in brief:
- relatively robust plant
- less susceptible to illness
- rarely affected by spider mites
- most common damage: sunburn or frost damage
Tip
If you want to have an Aukube on your sunny terrace, then slowly accustom the plant to the sun, otherwise its pretty leaves will burn.
