Dieback in Houseplants (5706)

Dieback symptoms can be caused by fungal, bacterial, viral, or nematode pathogens.  Most dieback diseases start out as necrotic spots on leaves, stems, or flowers. Under severe dieback conditions, these spots progressively enlarge and run together to form larger spots or turn the entire plant brown. If the entire plant turns brown, the disease is then called a blight.  Dieback symptoms caused by fungi, bacteria, and nematodes are worse under high humidity or wet conditions, since air currents and water will move the pathogens from spot to spot. Viral diseases are spread by propagation processes or by insect transmission, such as aphid feeding.

Disease management:  Always inspect plants carefully before purchase, and isolate new plants for several weeks before mixing them with the rest of your collection. Unless you have a greenhouse, dieback diseases will not spread rapidly in indoor environments, and pesticides will not be needed for disease management. One of the most practical disease management techniques is to pick off and discard infected plant parts. To prevent conditions favorable for disease, avoid prolonged wet conditions caused by practices such as misting or watering your plants in the evening.  Space plants far enough apart to allow good air circulation around the foliage to reduce humidity levels. If you suspect a viral disease, then the entire plant will have to be discarded.

For more information on this subject, Please visit the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Web site.

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