AT A GLANCE
Brown spots on azaleas are caused by various fungal and viral diseases, such as the mosaic virus. For combating the exact distinction is not necessary. Cut off the diseased parts of the plant. Needs-based care and optimal location help to prevent re-infestation.
What causes brown spots on the azalea?
Brown leaf spot is a symptom that can be caused by various leaf spot diseases. It can be a fungal infection or a viral infection. The mosaic virus strikes particularly often. It is hardly possible for a layperson to clearly distinguish between the various possible diseases based on the damage pattern. This is also not necessary for successful combat.
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What do I do with an azalea that has brown spots?
The disease should be contained promptly, otherwise the plant can be damaged or even die. Cut Remove all affected shoots so that the fungal pathogen or virus cannot spread further. This also prevents spreading to neighboring plants. If some stained leaves have already fallen off, collect them. Dispose of all diseased plant parts as residual waste. Because if they get onto 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 expelled from nature. You should therefore focus on strengthening your azalea. This includes:
- a ideal location with low pH
- needs-based Care
- balanced Pour
- without dry periods and waterlogging
- Fertilize with compost
Since most fungal diseases are favored by moisture, take care with a regular thinning cut in autumn that your azalea can dry off quickly after rain.
Tip
Disinfect the scissors before and after cutting
Pathogens stick to the blade of the secateurs and can later be transferred to another plant. It is therefore essential that the scissors are thoroughly disinfected both after and after cutting.
