Pasquesi: Garden Info - Indoor Plants (Plant Diseases)

INDOOR PLANT DISEASES

Fungal diseases on indoor plants, although fairly uncommon, can infect and destroy a beautiful indoor garden if left unchecked. Good culture and sanitation minimize disease-related problems. Many disease-like symptoms that occur on indoor plants are caused by physiological factors, also. These, non-infectious factors are explained further in the Physiological Problems Of Indoor Plants information sheet.

Guidelines

Consistent effort and some basic rules will ensure diseases and fungi are detected early, and cross-infection is kept to a minimum:

isolate newly-purchased plants from other plants for two to three weeks. During this time, any disease or fungal problems can be spotted and controlled

check all indoor plants’ leaves and stems periodically for disease

ensure plants are potted in disease-free potting soil. Do not use potting mix that has previously housed an infected plant

disinfect used flats and pots before reusing by washing with bleach and water

regularly remove old or infected leaves or debris from plants by hand-picking

ensure water is not left standing on leaves. Standing water may harbor disease and may lead to fungal growth

maintain good air circulation around the plants

only use chemical controls when the disease is easily identifiable and other treatments are not an option. Always use chemical controls outdoors or in a well-ventilated area

always follow manufacturer’s instructions when using chemicals. Improper use of chemical applications may injure or kill the plant

Appearance	Disease	Comments	Treatment
Parts of the plant are covered with thick, gray, fuzzy mold or a mass of gray spores.	Botrytis (also called gray mold)	Infected plant tissue is covered with thick, gray fuzzy mold, or is covered with a mass of gray spores. On ficus plants, infected areas appear as light circular rings. The infection causes healthy plant tissue to rapidly decay. Often caused on flowers or tender foliage under conditions that are too cool or moist.	Remove all dead or diseased flowers and foliage. Maintain good air circulation and decrease humidity levels.
Localized leaves or plant parts seem to be decaying. Dark spots appear on plant parts and leaves.	Leaf spot	Spots and blights often appear on plants that have been placed outdoors during the summer. The fungi is rarely serious and is easily controlled	Remove infected flowers or foliage as soon as damage is noticed.
Upper surface of leaves, stems and buds are coated with a white to grayish powder.	Powdery mildew	A very contagious fungal disease that will eventually cause leaf drop and discoloration.	Remove infected plant parts as soon as the infection is noticed. Decrease humidity levels and increase air circulation to prevent further infections. Spray with benomyl.
Plants are weak and wilted. Roots, stem and/or crown are soft and rotten.	Root, stem, and crown rot	If left undetected, the plant will collapse and die. In many cases, the rotting is due to the soil being too wet.	Allowing the soil to dry out between waterings may help alleviate the problem. Discard the plant if it is too severely damaged to prevent the disease from spreading.

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