My hibiscus appear to currently have bud drop and a leaf fungus. I wonder what to do now in my area (western KY) now that we're heading into fall. Is it too late in the year to trim, or make amends?
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If this is a white fungus it is important to tackle this immediately. The longer you wait the harder it is to get rid of. There are several things you can do.
Step 1
Avoid high nitrogen fertilizer because they will promote new growth and the new growth is prone to the disease.
Step 2
Trim the affected growth immediately. Dispose of the infected growth and never add it to your compost pile.
Step 3
Spray the plant with Neem oil. You will need to mix 2 tablespoons of neem oil with a gallon of water. Use a pump sprayer to apply the solution to the leaves of the plant. Spray all the mildew on the plant. Repeat this weekly until the mildew is gone.
Step 4
You can make an organic spray using 1 teaspoon of baking soda and a few drops of vegetable oil with a quart of water. Spray all the infected area of the plant. Repeat this weekly until the mildew is gone.
Let me give a bit more info.
Mine are actually planted in the ground. They did very well initially. Then the leaves got black/brownish spotted and discolored. The buds turned black and started dying the bud stem to the plant.
I've obviously messed up somewhere and I'm heartbroken because I love them!!
Does this change the treatment plan?
Although I live in Florida I believe treating these problems will be about the same method.
Step 1
I always trim any diseased part of my bushes off as soon as I'm aware its there. Then i can get a good look at what may be causing the problem. i believe you would be safe to do this also even though it is getting late in the season.
Step 2
Your plants will over winter better if they are healthy. I do not know how you over winter your plants but I always have to place a lot of mulch around mine and if a hard freeze is in the forecast, I try to cover some parts even if I cannot cover the complete plant. I only have one potted hibiscus and it goes inside on cold nights/days.
Step 3
The best treatment I have found for any bug/disease on my hibiscus is insecticidal soap.
Step 4
This can be purchased in the garden department at any of your large stores or even on-line from Amazon, Walmart, Lowe's. It can be used safely on almost any plant and is really good for rose problems also.
Step 5
I do have a site that has instructions for making your own insecticide soap but you may need to plan that for later as your plants probably need attention ASAP.
Step 6
www.todayshomeowner.com/
Good luck and I hope your hibiscus lives many years as the Luna is one of the prettiest ones around.
Make a spray at home with a teaspoon of cider vinegar per gallon of water to the mix.
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