An azalea with brown spots needs immediate attention. She's clearly suffering and it's getting worse. The spots conquer leaf by leaf. Only the scissors can put an end to it, whatever the disease may be.
Why does the azalea have brown spots?
Brown spots on azaleas are caused by various fungal and viral diseases, for example the mosaic virus. The precise distinction is not necessary for combating them. Cut off the diseased parts of the plant. Needs-based care and optimal location help to prevent new infestation.
What can be the causes of brown spots on the azalea?
Brown leaf spot is a symptom that can be caused by various leaf spot diseases. This could be a fungal infection or a viral infection. The mosaic virus strikes particularly frequently. It is hardly possible for a layperson to clearly differentiate between the various possible diseases based on the damage pattern. This is not necessary for successful combat.
What do I do with an azalea that has brown spots?
The disease should be contained promptly, otherwise the plant can suffer greater damage or even die. Cut off all affected shoots so that the fungal pathogen or virus cannot spread further. This also prevents it from spreading to neighboring plants. If some spotted leaves have already fallen off, collect them. Dispose of all diseased plant parts as residual waste. Because if they get on the compost, the pathogens survive and can spread again via compost fertilization.
How can I prevent brown spots?
The pathogens are invisible and cannot be completely eliminated from nature. Therefore, you should focus on strengthening your azalea. This includes:
- an ideal location with a low pH value
- needs-based care
- balanced watering
- without dry periods and waterlogging
- Fertilizing with compost
Since most fungal diseases are promoted by moisture, you can ensure that your azalea can dry quickly after rain with a regular thinning cut in autumn.
Tip
Disinfect the scissors before and after cutting
Pathogens stick to the blade of the secateurs and can later be transferred to another plant. That's why it's essential that the scissors are thoroughly disinfected after cutting.
