The Oleanders Are Turning Brown

Botryosphaeria Dieback

• If the oleander suffered frost or severe drought, the discoloration may be an indication of botryosphaeria dieback, which is caused by a fungus. The stress from a lack of water or severe frost makes the plant vulnerable to the disease. Remove all sickly looking branches.

Oleander Leaf Scorch

• There is no cure for oleander leaf scorch. The leaves begin to yellow and brown before falling from the plant. The symptoms progress more quickly in warmer climates. Caused by the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, oleander leaf scorch eventually kills the bush. Normally, the plant will die within 5 years after the first symptoms appear. The disease is more common in California, but has occurred in other parts of the country.

Oleander Caterpillar

• The oleander caterpillar doesn’t make the plant’s leaves turn brown. The pest strips oleander’s branches bare in less than a week. If the oleander is established, it can survive the attack, yet the infestation weakens the plant, making it susceptible to a disease that might cause the plant’s future leave to brown. The oleander caterpillar is the oleander’s most destructive pest.

Disposal

• While a healthy oleander plant is easy to grow, requires minimal maintenance and provides colorful flowers, it has it dark side. The oleander is extremely poisonous. Every part of the plant can kill. Even putting a twig or leaf in your mouth can have lethal consequences. Burning the oleander plant creates toxic gas. Always wear gloves when pruning the bushes, as coming in contact with the plant can irritate the skin. Never burn the plants.