Hi all
I planted several this spring. They were doing fine. Then a white had leaves that were turning brown and crispy. There would be one rust brown spot or simply dark rusty brown veins. Ultimately the leaf would dry up and die. I tried watering more, no luck. I had a Sun parasol sitting next to it and it was happy, but not blooming. The white was blooming and growing, now much of the plant near the roots has yellowed leaves that will get the big brown spot.
I've tried more sun, so it's in full Texas sun, I've tried more water. I found a website that says it's a fungus, but that it won't kill the plant. It seems to be killing it in my care. Please, if you have any suggestions I would greatly appreciate it. It's getting enough sun for blooming roses or more.
Should I dig the plant up and put it in a pot with fresh potting soil?
thank you
cynthia
Mandevilla with fungus
If it is a fungus, it sounds like it would be a leaf fungus, which is good because they are easier to get rid of. Assuming it is a fungus, then I would remove all infected leaves and put in the garbage, keep the foliage dry ( fungus love wet, humid areas) and spray with a fungicide like Daconil-or a fungicide that treats leaf fungus ( like arachnose). Make sure that the foliage stays dry after you spray for at least a few days if not longer. Keep removing the infected leaves. Fungus spreads by spores in the air, so make sure you put this plant away from all the other mandevillas.
I would not repot it, if I am correct in saying that it is a leaf fungus, then the fungus is not in the dirt-its on the plant. Did it say what type of fungus it was?
Thank you tigerlily
I tried to find the university website that I had seen before and can't. I assume that it is airborn so will pull off dead leaves and proceed as if it was blackspot. It's pretty warm here, so it should slow the fungus. I have to be careful. I don't think I've watered as much as I should because I wanted to avoid spread. It's a delicate balance.
Thank you so much. I didn't want to dig it up this time of year.
smiles
cynthia
well good luck Cynthia, I hope the problem goes away-just be diligent with removing the leaves right away. Unfortunately, fungus love hot/humid weather-this is when they really become active...bummer huh?