Botrytis Blight in Houseplants

Effects

• A houseplant infected with botrytis blight develops small, water-soaked spots on its foliage, blooms and stems. Those water-soaked spots develop into soft, decaying tissue that begins to weaken the plant. The surfaces of the water-soaked areas develop grayish-brown coverings of mold that promote the growth of additional fungal spores. The foliage of houseplants often turns brown from infection before eventually falling from the plant. The roots of an infected houseplant are also rotted by botrytis blight infections, causing the entire plant to experience stunted growth and dieback.

Environment

• The home environment provides an ideal growing environment for botrytis blight fungal spores. These spores require a combination of high humidity, moderate temperatures and low levels of air circulation for best growth. Houseplants that are regularly misted or placed on humidity trays are especially susceptible to botrytis blight infections.

Treatment

• When treated early, houseplants can successfully overcome botrytis blight infections. All infected blooms and foliage should be removed from the houseplant with sharp, sterile shears. Infected stalks should be cut back to the healthy portion of the stem, or simply cut back to the base of the plant. Treat the infected houseplant with a fungicidal spray treatment designed for botrytis blight infections. Apply the fungicide as instructed on the package and reapply, if necessary.

Prevention

• Take preventative steps to avoid botrytis blight infections. Keep the potting containers free of defoliating debris to reduce the potential of fungal spore development. Avoid misting your houseplants and always irrigate the plants at soil level to keep the foliage dry. Allow the houseplant’s soil to dry out slightly before each irrigation to prevent overwatering. Botrytis blight fungal spores favor cool, wet soil environments. Discard severely infected houseplants to prevent botrytis blight from spreading to other plants in the home.