Botrytis Disease on Houseplants; Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention
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Botrytis Disease Causes & Symptoms
Botrytis Disease also called Black Mold is characterized by grey, fluffy mould which can cover all parts of the plant; leaves, stems, buds and flowers
Botrytis disease is caused by the fungus, Botrytis cinerea and is prevalent where the growing conditions are cool and humid with no air circulation.
Begonia, Cyclamen, Gloxina and Saintpaulia are highly susceptible to Botrytis Disease though it can affect all soft-leaved houseplants.
Treatment of Botrytis Disease on Houseplants
- Cut all affected parts of the plant and destroy by burning to prevent spread to the entire plant and other houseplants.
- Remove and replace the moldy soil with fresh, free-draining soil and always allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Spray the plant with a systemic fungicide as per the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure to cover all the parts of the plant with the fungicidal solution.
- Keep the soil on the drier side; stop watering for 7-10 days to allow the plant enough time to recover.
How to Prevent Botrytis Disease on Houseplants
- Do not water the plant on a schedule to prevent waterlogging. Water when the top few inches of the soil feel dry to the touch.
- Pot your plant in a pot that has a draiange hole and well-draining soil to avoid getting too wet soil.
- Maintain the plant well-pruned to encourage air circulation and to reduce the breeding grounds for the disease.
- Regularly, clean the leaves to discourage the disease.
- Do not mist the plant to depress the disease infestations.
- Improve air flow for your plant to minimize the disease occurence.
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