How to Cure Mildew on Heavenly Bamboo
Heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica) is a shrub that originated in China and Japan. Heavenly bamboo grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 9. Although the plant is relatively hardy, it sometimes suffers from powdery mildew, which resembles a white, powdery substance on the leaves. The mildew is not fatal. Increasing air circulation and using homemade sprays cures it. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Hand pruners
- Rake
- Trash bag
- Spray bottle
- Warm water
- Baking soda
- Liquid dishwashing soap
Instructions
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1
Examine the heavenly bamboo stems locating the ones most infected with mildew. Trace the stems back to the base and cut them off using hand pruners. Placing the infected stems into a trash bag prevents from spreading the mildew spores.
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2
Repeat the pruning process removing heavily infected stems up to 1/3 of the total bush. Space the stem removal out so as not to create gaping holes in the foliage.
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3
Rake up the leaves, mulch and pine straw under the infected heavenly bamboo plant and place the material into the trash bag as well. Tie the bag up and place it into the trash.
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4
Fill a spray bottle with 1 quart of warm water and add 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of liquid dishwashing soap to it.
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Close the sprayer and shake the bottle up for 20 to 30 seconds dissolving the baking soda.
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Spray the mixture onto all surfaces of the heavenly bamboo’s foliage, both infected ones and healthy. Spray the bottom of the leaves as well as the top.
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Tips & Warnings
Always water heavenly bamboo in the early to midmorning so the leaves dry before nightfall.
Do not compost mildew infested limbs or leaves, since the mildew spores infect the soil and transfer to other garden sites.
