Why do black leaves get on plants

Why do black leaves get on plants

Black leaves on plants are always an alarm signal and a warning that the plant is sick. You may notice that the leaf darkens in a uniform and progressive way, or that you detect the appearance of black dots or certain areas that are blackening. In any case, it is important to find out the causes of spots on plant leaves in order to avoid the spread of a possible disease.

In this oneHOWTO article we tell you why do black leaves get on plants. Discover the most frequent causes and the best tips to learn how to remove black spots from plant leaves. Take them into account especially now that summer is ending and it’s time to prepare the garden for the foreseeable drop in temperatures.

Lack of irrigation

Especially when the tips of plant leaves turn black, the first question to ask yourself is this: have I watered them enough? Plants are living things, and even if we know it, we can sometimes forget their basic water needs, especially during the holidays when we can pay less attention to them.

If you haven’t watered your plant enough, this may be the answer to why black leaves get on plants. Dark spots on leaves indicate that the plant is drying out and you should resume proper watering immediately.

Burnt leaves

It is important to remember that each plant requires a specific location, both indoors and outdoors. Some cannot stand direct sun exposure. If you detect dark spots on the leaves of your plants, confirm that they are in the right place taking into account their needs for sun or shade.

The problem may be that the sun is causing them burns to avoid. Also, if you have a plant exposed to the sun, make sure to water by pouring the water on the ground and not on its leaves to avoid further damage from the sun’s rays on them. Finally, always water first thing in the day or late in the afternoon, never in the central hours.

Fungi and bacteria

Without a doubt, the presence of fungi on plants is the most common cause of black spots on their leaves. These can appear on the tips, on the edges, or spread out in the form of points throughout its surface.

Downy mildew, powdery mildew, or bold fungus (Sooty mold) are some of the most common fungi that can infect outdoor plants and shrubs. It is very important to remove the affected leaves and treat the plant as soon as possible. Take a look at this other article on Home remedies for powdery mildew on plants, which also work to treat mildew.

Why do black leaves get on plants - Fungi and bacteria

Pests

Aphids, caterpillars, red spider or whitefly are some of the insects whose excessive presence in the form of pests can contribute to the appearance of dark spots on the leaves of the plants. In reality, on many occasions, fungi and parasites go hand in hand, so that it is the fungus that causes the black color. The two form a dangerous tandem that can endanger the health of the plant.

If the cause of black leaves on your plants is a pest, we recommend this other article with Home Remedies to combat pests on your plants.

Stuffiness

Warm temperatures, high humidity and poor ventilation. These three factors together are the ideal breeding ground for fungi, bacteria and pests to emerge that make the plant sick, causing black spots on its leaves as the first symptom.

In indoor plants it usually occurs, for example, during holiday periods, when the house is closed (without ventilating) for several days. The problem can also arise in outdoor plants if they have been located in a flower bed too small and variegated that does not allow air to circulate between them.

Unsuitable soil

When there is no obvious cause to explain the black spots on plants, the reason may be in the very substrate that supports and feeds them. The alkalinity or acidity of the soil influences their growth. To stop the appearance of these spots, it may be necessary to correct the pH of the soil.

You should also check that there is no element that is affecting the roots, preventing the normal development of the plant. A stony stratum, an underground pipe, etc. it could be the reason why the water and nutrients it needs are not reaching the plant. As a consequence, black spots appear because it has started to dry out. Again, a change of location could be the solution.

Why Do Black Leaves Get On Plants - Unsuitable Soil

Excess of manures and fertilizers

Regular fertilization of flowers, trees and shrubs is a necessary measure for them to grow healthy and carry out the flowering process. However, too much fertilizer can backfire and ‘burn’ plant leaves from the inside. If you detect black spots, check that you use the right fertilizer for your plants and that you do it in just the right amounts.

How to treat black leaves on plants

Adopting preventive measures that prevent your plants from getting sick is always the best option. In order for them to grow healthy and beautiful, you must put them in the right place, water and fertilize them as often as necessary, and monitor the ventilation. If, even so, you detect black spots on the leaves of your plants, you should act immediately because their presence does not bode well.

To try to restore the health of your plant, some tips that should be taken into account are:

  • The fungicides they are essential if the black spots on the leaves of the plants are caused by fungi or bacteria. Apply them by spraying over the entire plant and focusing especially on the most affected areas. Remember that you can make homemade fungicides based on bicarbonate or vinegar diluted in water.
  • If the stain occupies a large area, it is preferable remove the affected leaf to prevent the infection from spreading throughout the plant or to nearby plants. If the cause of the stain is that the sheet is dry or burned, the best option is to remove it as well.
  • Do not forget remove fallen leaves in potting or garden soil to prevent the spread of disease. Similarly, keep the tools you use in the garden clean.

Now that you know why black leaves are put on plants and if you want to continue learning, we recommend this other article about Yellow leaves on plants: what they mean and solutions.

If you want to read more articles similar to Why do black leaves get on plantsWe recommend that you enter our Gardening and Plants category.