Tonics for Brown Leaves on Magnolia Trees
The Magnolia family contains 80 different species of trees and shrubs, many of which are ideal for growing in the southern United States. Several fungal diseases and pests can attack magnolia leaves, turning the leaves brown and unattractive. Brown leaves are a common indication that your tree has become a host for diseases and pests, but homemade tonics should remedy the problem. Does this Spark an idea?
-
Magnolia Problems
-
Magnolia leaves are generally dark green and glossy, and some evergreen species retain their leaves year-round. Magnolias grow best in well-drained, rich soil. Most species will grow in full sunlight to partial shade. Magnolia trees are susceptible to attack from scale insects and several fungal diseases, including blight, scab, leaf spot and black mildew. Any of these problems could create browning and other discoloration of leaves. Serious damage may lead to death of the tree. Tonics you can make at home will help prevent and control problems when they start.
Pest Control
-
Scale are tiny, damaging insects that are resistant to standard pesticides. Remove them directly from magnolia tree leaves using cotton balls and rubbing alcohol. Soak the cotton with alcohol and rub it along leaves, particularly the undersides. You can also make rubbing alcohol into a tonic when diluted with water. Mix 1/2 cup of alcohol with 4 cups of water, and spray the solution directly on scale-infected leaves. Wait for an overcast day; it is not advisable to put rubbing alcohol on leaves that are exposed to full sunlight. Use standard dishwashing liquid to make an alternate pesticide. Stir 4 tbsp. of the liquid into 1 cup of vegetable oil. Mix the solution into 1 gallon of water and spray it on leaves for scale control and prevention.
-
Baking Soda Fungicide
-
Baking soda is effective in treating spot, mildew and other fungal diseases. Mix 1 tsp. of baking soda with 1/2 tsp. of liquid soap in 1 gallon of water. Wait for a cloudy day with little sunlight, and spray the fungicide directly on magnolia tree leaves to kill existing fungus and prevent fungal attack.
Fungus Tonics
-
Mix 2 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar per 1 gallon of water to create another tonic that kills and prevents fungus. Apple cider vinegar water is also effective in lowering the pH of soil, so use this treatment only sparingly. Apply the tonic no more than once a month. You can also add whole, ground cornmeal directly to the soil (2 lb. per 100 square feet) during fertilization to kill soil-borne fungi. Mix 1 cup of cornmeal with 1 gallon of water and let the solution stand for 24 hours. After straining, the water is an effective fungal spray.
-
References
- Clemson University Cooperative Extension; Magnolia; Debbie Shaughnessy, et al.; May 2009
- Central Texas Gardener; Homemade Fungicides and Insecticides; John Dromgoole
- Gardening Australia; Fact Sheet - Home-made Remedies; Colin Campbell; June 2009
- Central Texas Gardener; Homemade Fertilizers and Fungicides; John Dromgoole
Resources
- Photo Credit Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
