Nerium oleander, as the magnificent flowering shrub is called in technical jargon, is one of the most popular tub plants. However, the plant is not only beautiful to look at, but also quite sensitive to many fungal and bacterial diseases. Dry shoots are often an indication of infection with the Ascochyta fungus. This is also known as dry rot because of the typical signs.
Dry oleander shoots are usually a sign of dry rot
Oleander dry rot - shoots dry up and die
Ascochyta infection often occurs after overwintering and is characterized by slow desiccation of the entire oleander. Initially, only individual leaves and shoots are affected, with the damaged areas spreading more and more as the disease progresses. Although drought or frost damage is quite common on oleanders after the winter, they can be traced back to certain causes such as insufficient watering or frost. On the other hand, you should prick up your ears if the oleander develops dry shoots despite correct hibernation and sufficient watering - in such a case, dry rot is usually behind it.
Properly cut off dried shoots
In the case of dry rot, it is important to act quickly, because as soon as the infection reaches the roots, the oleander can no longer be saved. Cut away the dry shoots generously, but under no circumstances throw the cuttings on the compost - since the fungi survive there without any problems, there is a risk of reinfection not only of the oleander, but also of other plants. Make sure you always cut back into healthy wood and don't leave any stubs. Instead, the shoots are removed either to the base or to the next branch. Use clean and sharp tools and be sure to wear gloves! Oleander is highly toxic, so the milky sap that escapes when cut can cause skin irritation and even symptoms of poisoning such as diarrhea and vomiting as soon as it gets into the bloodstream through open wounds.
tips
On the other hand, faded shoots of oleanders should not be cut off, but rather the faded petals should be plucked off carefully. The new flowers are already on these branches, which is why you would only rob yourself of the blooms with a courageous cut. However, cleaning it out makes sense so that the plant does not form pods and puts unnecessary effort into seed formation.