Bougainvillea is a vibrant tropic vine known for its colorful bracts that enliven gardens and landscapes . However the sight of chocolate-brown place mar the plant ’s foliage can be cause for concern . Learning what causes these unsightly blemishes and how to treat them is primal to touch on the plant ’s health and stunner .
What Causes Brown Spots on Bougainvillea?
There are several likely perpetrator behind brown spots on bougainvillea leaves
Fungal diseases – Fungal leaf spot and other fungous infections evidence as small , orbitual brown office on the leaves . gamy humidity and crowded , poorly ventilated plants further fungal increment .
Bacterial disease – Bacterial foliage spot also cause small , dark-brown lesion on leaves . It thrive in quick , cockeyed conditions .
Sunscald or burn – Intense sunshine can sear the folio , resulting in brown , dried areas . Young , tender farewell are especially vulnerable .
Nutrient want – want of key nutrients like nitrogen , atomic number 12 , and iron leads to yellow or browning of the foliage .
Pests – Insects that suck plant life sap , like aphid and scale , can weaken plants . masticate pestilence like caterpillar directly damage foliage .
etymon wrong – Compacted soil , poor drainage , and rot radical reduce the plant ’s ability to take up water and nutrients , stressing the plant life .
Preventing Brown Spots on Bougainvillea
While brown musca volitans can be upsetting , prevention is possible with right bougainvillea care :
Water good and systematically – About 1 - 2 inches of water per week is ideal . Soil should not be always soggy or bone dry .
Prune for ample air flow – Remove cut across branches and interior growth to open up up the works ’s structure and circulation .
Fertilize regularly – utilize a balanced fertilizer every 2 - 4 weeks in the growing season .
Give pot of sunshine – At least 6 hours of direct sunshine is best . Provide shade from intense afternoon sun .
Watch for pest – Inspect regularly and call infestations quickly . hit ill damage leaves .
Ensure well drainage – Bougainvillea does best in sandy , loamy soil that drains pronto after watering .
Disinfect tools – Clean pruners and shears after each use to debar spreading disease .
Treating Established Brown Spots on Bougainvillea
If brown spots already plague your bougainvillea , intervention depends on the underlying cause :
Fungal disease – put on appropriate fungicides like copper , sulfur , or neem oil . off and destroy stirred leaves .
Bacterial diseases – expend copper spray or horticultural vegetable oil to suppress bacterium . ameliorate air circulation around plants .
Sunscald – Move plant to a positioning with morning sun but afternoon subtlety .
Nutrient deficiencies – Have soil tested and meliorate accordingly . employ a balanced fertilizer .
Pests – Use insecticidal easy lay , neem crude oil , or other targeted treatments to operate universe .
Root wrong – graft to better enfeeble location . bring organic thing to improve body of water retention in arenaceous soils .
Caring for Bougainvillea to Avoid Brown Spots
With routine care tailor-make to its preference , bougainvillea will flourish and show few blemishes :
firing – At least 6 hour of direct Lord’s Day is idealistic . Morning Sunday with afternoon shade works well .
territory – Well - drained , slimly acidulous soil improve with compost or manure causa it well .
Watering – Water thoroughly then reserve dirt to partially dry out between waterings . quash moisture tenseness and saturation .
Fertilizer – expend a balanced fertilizer every 2 - 4 weeks during growing periods . Too much N causes leafy emergence at the expense of bloom .
Pruning – Prune actively in leaping to regulate the plant and amend bloom . Pinch back fresh shoots during summertime .
Pest dominance – scrutinise regularly for aphids , plate , Caterpillar and other pests . Take immediate controller step .
mood – Grow bougainvillea in USDA zone 9 - 11 or contribute indoors / protect from frost in cool zone .
Paying close attention to a bougainvillea ’s cultural requisite and readily speak any issues will help ensure your plant stays vivacious with minimum folio trouble . While brownish maculation are monish , a persevering gardener can often revive an affected plant . Consistent care focused on providing vivid light , moderate body of water , drain , and alimentation is key to achiever with bougainvillea .
Common Bougainvillea Problems
FAQ
What does an overwatered bougainvillea expression like ?
How do you get free of fungus on bougainvillea ?
Why are the leaves on my bougainvillea turn Robert Brown and falling off ?
