Fungus on a Ficus

Ficus leaves are glossy green.

With more than 800 different species and hundreds of varieties there is a ficus, or fig, to suit every household, but the benjamina ficus rules as one of the most common North American indoor plants.



Ficus hedges are common in Florida but since this plant is actually a tree, owners often run into difficulty with their quick-growing hedges. Indoor plants can be attacked by mealybugs and scale but outdoor specimens have to contend with multiple fungi infections.



Edible fig trees tend to be attacked by different fungi, but no fungicides have been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency, hence other measures need to be used to protect the trees.

Aerial or Web Blight

When a ficus tree is infected with aerial or web blight the leaves turn yellow or brown and look like they have been soaked in water. The upper surface of the leaf eventually turns a silver white while the bottom is covered with the fungus which shows up as a brown web.

Prune out branches to ensure good air circulation and avoid wetting the leaves when watering. Remove all diseased leaves.

Anthracnose

Anthracnose is suspected when a ficus tree's leaves turn yellow and acquire dark brown spots. Spores gather along the veins of the leaves or in concentric circles around the dark spots. Affected leaves eventually fall off.

Remove and destroy affected leaves and fruit so that the tree is not re-infected and ensure that the tree is kept well-watered and protected from the stress of excessive heat.

Leaf Spot

Leaf spot usually occurs when there is excessive rainy weather during the summer. Reddish brown spots appear on the leaves, followed by a yellow halo around the site. Leaves may start to drop.

Prune to encourage good air circulation and avoid getting water on the leaves. Also remove and destroy infected fallen leaves.

Stem Gall

Stem galls can be found on the tree trunks.

Stem galls are large growths that appear on the tree. They may be found on the leaves or the trunk. This fungus enters minor wounds such as scars from pruning or damage done to the trunk by weed-eaters or other mechanical devices.

Care should be taken when pruning and any stem galls should be removed. Discard all diseased materials. (ref.1)

Mushroom Root Rot

When mushroom root rot attacks a ficus, the tree dries out quickly, wilts and may die. The fungus enters the tree from the roots and kills the tissues that conduct water to the rest of the tree. If a piece of bark of an infected tree is removed at the soil line, a white fungus will be noticed This is mushroom root rot.

Dead trees and roots must be removed in order to prevent the fungus from spreading.

References

• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Home FAQs and Help
• Ficus Trees: Ficus Culture and Care