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Beyond the bothersome pests, your bonsai can also fall ill.  The right bonsai care will prevent diseases from forming, but you can also treat these illnesses as well.

•    Mildew – This comes in two types: Powdery White or Downey. The white mildew is found on top of the leaves, while the downy mildew is on the underside. Both mildews are caused by poor air circulation. Downy mildew can also be caused by too much wetness, either in the soil or in the air.  The right bonsai care calls for a treatment with a fungicide designed for plants and improvement in the air circulation around your bonsai.
•    Black Spot Fungus – This fungus causes your bonsai to lose its leaves, which in the long run is more damaging than the actual fungus itself. The actual fungus is an unsightly black blotch on your bonsai’s leaves. It’s more of a problem for indoor plants, as they don’t have the benefit of wind and rain to wash away the spores. This disease spreads rapidly, and thus, rapid bonsai care is needed. Remove the affected leaves and increase your air circulation around your bonsai. Treat your plant with a fungicide to ensure it doesn’t return
•    Sooty Mold – This is a telltale sign that your bonsai has aphids. It usually affects older leaves on your bonsai plant. Treat it with an insecticide for the aphids. Once you get rid of the aphids, you’ll get rid of your mold.

Bonsai care involves more than simply training the branches to grow in a beautiful direction.  Instead, bonsai care means you monitor the health of the plant, keeping pests and illnesses at bay.  When you know how to spot and treat pests and diseases, your bonsai will reward you with beautiful growth

Posted under Bonsai Care, Bonsai Diseases