I have some spots, splotches, discoloring of the leaves on my Brush Cherry.
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About a month ago I moved my two Brush Cherry trees into the basement where I setup some fluorescent lights. Previously they were in a window sil not getting much light at all. They were mostly dormant. Since I have moved them under the lights the trees have been pushing out major growth that looks green and healthy. This is around the time I started noticing the spots and they are slowly getting worse. The tree is showing quite vigurous growth and is in otherwise great condition. I keep up with my watering (only water when they need it) and the soil is good. Out of my two trees only the one has spots. At first I thought it might have been the tree reacting to the different level of light, but now I'm not so sure.
I don't really see any other issues like bugs or anything (you might notice some chew marks on leaves, that is from earlier this summer when it was outside for a couple days). There are more leaves on the bottom of the tree with these spots and it seems concentrated to one side of the tree. However some of the upper leaves are showing the spots as well.
This is all the useful information I could think of. Anyone have any ideas? Did I leave out any other useful information?
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BaronOsiris
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Gnome
- Super Green Thumb
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BaronOsiris,
It certainly looks like some sort of blight/virus/fungus. Sorry, I know that is not much help, I'm still looking. In the short term move the infected(?) plant away from the other and then remove the damaged leaves and trash them, don't leave them laying around. If you use scissors make sure to sterilize them after you are done, or even between cuts. I'll get back to you if I discover anything useful.
Norm
It certainly looks like some sort of blight/virus/fungus. Sorry, I know that is not much help, I'm still looking. In the short term move the infected(?) plant away from the other and then remove the damaged leaves and trash them, don't leave them laying around. If you use scissors make sure to sterilize them after you are done, or even between cuts. I'll get back to you if I discover anything useful.
Norm
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BaronOsiris
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- Joined: Sat Feb 24, 2007 7:09 pm
- Location: Minnesota
Gnome,
Thanks for the reply. I did as you instructed. As I was cutting away the nasty looking ones I realised that about 75% of the leaves had spots (some much worse than others). It seems to be concentrated on the old growth. Most of the newer growth looks to be unaffected. The tree is now in a different part of the house away from the others and I am keeping a close eye on my other trees.
I also noticed that there were few dead leaves at the base of the tree and mixed into the top layer of soil. I have a habit of not taking them out due to a combination of laziness and the thinking that the decomposed leaves will provide a little fertilizer. Those leaves have now been removed. Do you think that could have triggered or contributed to the problem?
My medium is made up of 30% lava rock, 20% peat, 50% orchid bark. Now I'm concerned that whatever the infection/fungus/blight is might be in the soil. Do you think I should be concerned with the medium? I don't want to stress my tree too much, but I'm slightly worried about the high content of organics in my mix picking up this fungus/blight.
Thanks for the reply. I did as you instructed. As I was cutting away the nasty looking ones I realised that about 75% of the leaves had spots (some much worse than others). It seems to be concentrated on the old growth. Most of the newer growth looks to be unaffected. The tree is now in a different part of the house away from the others and I am keeping a close eye on my other trees.
I also noticed that there were few dead leaves at the base of the tree and mixed into the top layer of soil. I have a habit of not taking them out due to a combination of laziness and the thinking that the decomposed leaves will provide a little fertilizer. Those leaves have now been removed. Do you think that could have triggered or contributed to the problem?
My medium is made up of 30% lava rock, 20% peat, 50% orchid bark. Now I'm concerned that whatever the infection/fungus/blight is might be in the soil. Do you think I should be concerned with the medium? I don't want to stress my tree too much, but I'm slightly worried about the high content of organics in my mix picking up this fungus/blight.
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Gnome
- Super Green Thumb
- Posts: 5122
- Joined: Wed Jul 05, 2006 12:17 am
- Location: Western PA USDA Zone 6A
BaronOsiris,
However I found two sources that suggest that these plants do not suffer much from disease so I am unsure. Do you feel that you are providing it with appropriate care otherwise?
[url]https://www.bonsaigardener.org/brush-cherry-bonsai.html[/url]
[url]https://www.bonsai-bci.com/species/eugenia.html[/url]
Both sites do mention that they dislike hard water, so that is something to keep in mind. Consistent watering by immersion can lead the build up of excessive salts, which is why most growers avoid this method.
Both sites also suggest re-potting in the spring so I think I would try to wait it out. Keep a close eye on the tree and use your best judgment.
This site lists several natural remedies that you could try, even if it is not a disease they seem pretty benign. As always start slowly and see if your plant tolerates the spray.
[url]https://www.ghorganics.com/page15.html[/url]
Norm
I always clean up any fallen leaves just to be on the safe side. If the problem is pathological, as opposed to cultural, then it is possible that leaving them on the soil might promote further infection.I also noticed that there were few dead leaves at the base of the tree and mixed into the top layer of soil. I have a habit of not taking them out due to a combination of laziness and the thinking that the decomposed leaves will provide a little fertilizer. Those leaves have now been removed. Do you think that could have triggered or contributed to the problem?
However I found two sources that suggest that these plants do not suffer much from disease so I am unsure. Do you feel that you are providing it with appropriate care otherwise?
[url]https://www.bonsaigardener.org/brush-cherry-bonsai.html[/url]
[url]https://www.bonsai-bci.com/species/eugenia.html[/url]
Both sites do mention that they dislike hard water, so that is something to keep in mind. Consistent watering by immersion can lead the build up of excessive salts, which is why most growers avoid this method.
Both sites also suggest re-potting in the spring so I think I would try to wait it out. Keep a close eye on the tree and use your best judgment.
This site lists several natural remedies that you could try, even if it is not a disease they seem pretty benign. As always start slowly and see if your plant tolerates the spray.
[url]https://www.ghorganics.com/page15.html[/url]
Norm