Chinese Evergreen with Anthracnose: Prevention & Cure
Aglaonema commutatum
Anthracnose on Chinese Evergreen: What to Know?
Anthracnose on Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema commutatum) is a fungal condition with high severity. Chinese Evergreen has moderate susceptibility to this disease. Anthracnose is a fungal disease caused by fungi in the genus Colletotrichum that affects many plants, including vegetables, fruits, and trees. The disease thrives in cool, wet conditions, causing dark...
Chinese Evergreen is a easy-care plant. Recovery from Anthracnose takes approximately 14 days with proper treatment. As an indoor plant, ensure good ventilation to aid recovery.
Unlike bacterial infections, Anthracnose on Chinese Evergreen can be managed with organic fungicides. Without precautions, chemical treatments for Anthracnose can be harmful to pets. Use organic methods for Chinese Evergreen in pet-friendly homes.
ð What Does Anthracnose Look Like on Chinese Evergreen?
- âĒ Small irregular yellow or brown spots on leaves
- âĒ Dark sunken lesions on leaves, stems, flowers and fruits
- âĒ Water-soaked lesions that darken as they age
- âĒ Pink gelatinous masses of spores in lesion centers during warm, moist weather
- âĒ Spots that expand and may cover entire leaves
- âĒ Defoliation in advanced stages
â What Causes Anthracnose on Chinese Evergreen?
- â Caused by fungi in the genus Colletotrichum
- â Cool wet weather promotes development
- â Optimum temperature between 75-85°F (24-29°C)
- â Foliage wet for extended periods of time
- â Fungi overwinter in seeds, soil and garden debris
- â Spores spread through water droplets
ð How to Treat Anthracnose on Chinese Evergreen?
TLDR: Treat Anthracnose on Chinese Evergreen with quick treatment (~7 days) or organic (~14 days). Chinese Evergreen has moderate susceptibility to this disease.
Quick Fixes
Remove and discard all visibly infected parts
Remove and discard all visibly infected parts
Apply commercial systemic fungicide (azoxystrobin or mancozeb)
Apply commercial systemic fungicide (azoxystrobin or mancozeb)
Adjust irrigation to avoid wetting foliage
Adjust irrigation to avoid wetting foliage
Second application of systemic fungicide
Second application of systemic fungicide
Assess treatment effectiveness
Assess treatment effectiveness
Organic Treatment
Remove all infected plant parts and discard in plastic bag
Remove all infected plant parts and discard in plastic bag
Apply organic liquid copper spray to all plant surfaces
Apply organic liquid copper spray to all plant surfaces
Switch irrigation regime to drip, avoiding foliage wetting
Switch irrigation regime to drip, avoiding foliage wetting
Second application of copper fungicide or neem oil
Second application of copper fungicide or neem oil
Assess progress and remove any new lesions
Assess progress and remove any new lesions
Final organic fungicide application and ongoing monitoring
Final organic fungicide application and ongoing monitoring
ðĄïļ How to Prevent Anthracnose on Chinese Evergreen?
TLDR: Prevent Anthracnose on Chinese Evergreen with 8 essential preventive care practices.
- â Implement drip irrigation instead of overhead watering
- â Give plants enough room to breathe and reduce humidity
- â Remove infected plant material after harvest
- â Practice crop rotation between hosts and non-hosts
- â Choose resistant plant varieties when possible
- â Use western grown seeds not exposed to the disease
- â Avoid wetting foliage during watering
- â Ensure good air circulation around plants
ðą How to Care for Chinese Evergreen to Prevent Anthracnose?
ð§ How to Water
Allow the top 50% of soil to dry between waterings. Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, then discard excess water. Reduce watering frequency in winter.
âïļ Lighting
Thrives in low to medium indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves. Solid green varieties tolerate lower light than variegated types.
ðŠī Ideal Soil
Use well-draining, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.6-6.5). A mix of peat moss, perlite, and regular potting soil works well. Ensure pot has drainage holes.
Frequently asked questions
Can Anthracnose kill my Chinese Evergreen?
How long does Chinese Evergreen take to recover from Anthracnose?
Is Anthracnose contagious to other plants near Chinese Evergreen?
Sources & References
- Anthracnose: Identification, Prevention & Treatment | Gardening Know How
- Anthracnose: How to Identify, Control, and Prevent Anthracnose | The Old Farmer's Almanac
- Anthracnose Disease: Symptoms, Treatment and Control | Planet Natural
- Anthracnose: Symptoms, Prevention & Treatment Methods
- How to Identify, Treat, and Prevent Anthracnose
- Bloomscape Aglaonema Care Guide
- Clemson HGIC Chinese Evergreen Guide
- Gardeners Path Chinese Evergreen
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder