Sedum hens are considered frugal and resistant to many plant diseases. However, it can happen that the plants are affected by downy mildew in unfavorable weather conditions or in the wrong location. You can find out what to do here.
Does the sedum often get mildew?
Unfortunately, sedums arequite ofteninfected by powdery mildew. This disease caused by fungi can cause massive damage to the otherwise robust perennial. Even a small shower of rain after a thunderstorm is enough to cause fungal spores to grow on the leaves.
How do I recognize powdery mildew infestation on the sedum?
There is awhite, powdery coating on the foliage, including flowers and stems if the infestation is severe This can be easily wiped off with your fingers. The fungus that lives on the plant forms special suction organs with which it extracts the nutrients necessary for its growth from the sedum. This causes the leaves to wilt and die.
How can I successfully combat mildew?
As a first step, you shouldcut back all affected parts of the plant. It is then recommended to treat the sedum with an environmentally friendly home remedy:
- Mix 100 milliliters of raw and fresh milk, alternatively you can use buttermilk or whey, with 900 milliliters of water.
- Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and thoroughly wet the top and bottom of the leaves.
- Repeat this process several times a week.
What else helps against mildew on the sedum?
Since the sedum has very robust leaves, you can also combat mildew with aSoda rapeseed oil spray:
- Mix a packet of baking powder with a teaspoon of rapeseed oil and a liter of water.
- Spray the sedum with this mixture every third day.
The pathogens are killed by the weak alkaline reaction and the lecithins in the rapeseed oil.
It has also proven useful to dust the foliage of the sedum with a thin layer of algal lime. Due to the high pH value of the preparation, powdery mildew cannot germinate.
How can I prevent powdery mildew on sedum?
He althy plants get sicksignificantlyless often from powdery mildew than those that are already weakened or those that are under constant stress. Therefore, make sure that you plant the sedum in the right location for it and that its soil requirements are met.
Also make sure that the sedums are not too crowded. This allows the air to circulate, the leaves dry more quickly and the fungal spores cannot germinate as well.
Tip
Plant parts with powdery mildew must not be put in the compost
Plant parts that are affected by powdery mildew must be disposed of with household waste. The spores of the fungus are not destroyed by the heat generated when they rot on the compost. When fertilizing, you would therefore unintentionally spread them throughout the garden.
