Acer palmatum or Japanese maple originally comes from East Asia, but can also be found as an ornamental tree in many gardens in Germany. The rather slow-growing and small deciduous tree is considered to be quite robust, but can be attacked by various diseases, mainly due to mistakes in care and / or location selection. Like almost all maple species, the Japanese maple - especially the red Japanese maple - is susceptible to Verticillium wilt.

Curled leaves indicate Verticillium wilt

Fungal diseases go back to location and / or care errors

Most diseases or infections in Japanese maples are due to incorrect care and / or an unsuitable location. This maple species is particularly susceptible to powdery mildew and the notorious Verticillium wilt. Powdery mildew is typical when the plant is not watered enough on hot summer days. Frequent watering of the foliage can also cause the disease, which is why the leaves should not be wetted when watering. The pathogens of Verticillium wilt, in turn, come from the soil and penetrate from there into the pathways of the wood.

How do you recognize Verticillium wilt?

The causative agents of the wilt disease are Verticillium fungi living in the soil, which primarily penetrate the wood and block the pathways there. As a result, the Japanese maple is no longer sufficiently supplied with nutrients and water, so that it gradually dies. The first signs are drying up leaves and shoots dying for no apparent reason on previously healthy plants.

What to do about Verticillium wilt?

Unfortunately, there is no effective fungicide against Verticillium wilt. As the only rescue attempt, you can transplant or dig up affected Japanese maples and put them in a pot and also cut back generously. The clippings should never be put on the compost, but should be removed with the household waste. You can also activate the resistance of the tree with herbal tonics.

What Causes Withered and/or Discolored Leaves?

The so-called leaf tip drought occurs in the Japanese maple especially when the location is too drafty or too windy. Otherwise, brown leaf spots in very exposed, sunny spots indicate sun burns, while dry and/or discolored foliage is usually due to excessive drought or waterlogging.

Common pests: mites and plant lice

Pests such as spider and gall mites, aphids or scale insects are also an indication that the Japanese maple either does not feel comfortable in its location or is being cared for incorrectly.

tips

A transplanted Japanese maple should only be done if there is really no other way. Ornamental trees often react to root damage with fungal infestation, especially with the Verticillium pathogen.

Category:

Trees