Although the Pfaffenhütchen is considered robust, it is occasionally colonized by various fungal spores. They settle on the leaves and cause them to wither and die. You can prevent infection with appropriate means and proper care.
What diseases can affect Pfaffenhütchen?
The Pfaffenhütchen can be attacked by various fungi such as powdery mildew, downy mildew and rust fungi. To prevent these diseases, you should ensure a balanced nutrient supply, use field horsetail decoction and adjust watering behavior.
Powdery mildew
As a fair-weather fungus, powdery mildew spreads under warm and dry conditions in summer. If the Pfaffenhütchen is infected, a white coating appears on the top of the leaves. It has a floury consistency and can be easily wiped off. As the infestation expands, the plaque takes on a brownish color. The leaves dry out from the edge inwards and slowly die.
Since the fungus tends to overwinter, it should be combated thoroughly. Products containing silica are suitable for this (€16.00 on Amazon). As a preventive measure, several sprays with field horsetail or nettle decoction are recommended. If the leaves are affected, you should spray a solution of milk and water on the affected leaves every two days. Severely affected leaves are removed.
Downy mildew
This mushroom is considered a bad weather mushroom because it needs moist and cool conditions to grow. The downy mildew spores settle on the underside of the leaves. The fine fungal mycelium penetrates the leaves. There are light discolorations on the top of the leaves. The leaves will dry out over time if the fungus is not controlled.
Unlike powdery mildew, this fungus does not overwinter on bushes, but on fallen leaves. The next spring, the spores can infect the freshly sprouted leaves again. A decoction with field horsetail strengthens the plant and prevents infestation. When watering, be careful not to get the leaves wet. Agents containing silica have a fungicidal effect.
Rust
Yellow to orange spots on the leaves indicate an infestation by the rust fungus Melampsora evonymi-caprearum. The fungal network runs through the leaves, which can die in the event of a severe infestation. Rust fungi rob plants of nutrients. Normally, Pfaffenhütchen can cope with an infestation without suffering major damage.
Prevent rust fungus:
- Check plants regularly during wet weather
- remove affected leaves in the early stages
- water only at the base of the trunk
- pay attention to a balanced supply of nutrients
