Begonias are popular, robust houseplants. Nevertheless, they are also plagued by mildew. The result is leaves that look white and moldy. You can find out what you can do against the fungus here.
How do I fight powdery mildew on my begonia?
If the begonia is affected by powdery mildew (fungal infection), it should immediately beisolatedfrom other plants. Removeand destroy all infected leaves. Mix amilk-water solution in a ratio of 1:9 and spray the diseased parts of the plant several times.
How do I get rid of powdery mildew on begonias?
To combat powdery mildew on begonias, proceed as follows:
- Remove all diseased leaves
- Isolate the plant
- Mix 9 parts water with 1 part milk
- Pour the mixture into a pressure spray bottle
- Spray the plant with this mixture
- Repeat the procedure 3 times a week
- Avoid fertilizer for a while
If downy mildew is the culprit, the milk mixture is of no use. With this variant, you try to remove as much diseased plant tissue as possible to save the begonia.
How does powdery mildew spread on begonias?
Powdery mildew and downy mildew spread via spores. Thesporesof powdery mildew requirewarm weather, those of downy mildew only multiply in wet conditions and high humidity. Begonias, e.g. B. kept too dry are susceptible to powdery mildew. If you overwater your begonia, downy mildew, which loves high humidity, can spread. Mildew is easy to combat.
How do I recognize powdery mildew and downy mildew on begonias?
Ifwhitish-mealy spotsspread on the leaves of the begonia, powdery mildew has struck. 100 species of mushrooms belong to the group of powdery mildew mushrooms. “Golovinomyces orontii” belongs to this group; it likes to attack begonias, and almost all varieties. Downy mildew causes gray, bluish or white deposits on the underside of the leaves. It can also infect and damage begonias. While powdery mildew spreads when it is warm, downy mildew needs a moist climate to reproduce.
How can I protect my begonias from powdery mildew?
Provide your begonia with good care and an optimal location, and the fungus has no chance!
Begonias want abright placewithout midday sun and a permeable substrate, which should be slightly damp, but never soaked for days. Allow your begonia's soil to drybefore watering again. Do not fertilize the begonia more than absolutely necessary. Too much nitrogen promotes fungal infections.
Tip
How do I dispose of begonias that are severely affected by powdery mildew?
In general, infected plants or plant parts do not belong in the compost. This also applies to mildew. From the compost, the fungal spores can spread throughout the garden. Unfortunately, you have to dispose of the “plant corpse” with household waste or dry and burn it.