Powdery mildew and downy mildew are among the most insidious plant diseases that can attack cherry laurel. Numerous home remedies have proven themselves in the fight against fungi, so you don't always have to resort to chemical mace.
detect powdery mildew
Both variants of the fungus can be easily distinguished: the powdery mildew forms a fine white coating on the upper side of the leaf and, in the advanced stage, affects not only the leaves but also the young shoot tips as well as the buds and fruits of the cherry laurel.
In the case of downy mildew, on the other hand, delicate purple, yellow or brownish discolorations can be found on the upper side of the leaves. The gray fungal growth can only be seen on the underside of the leaf.
Combat powdery mildew successfully
Vinegar: An old home remedy for mildew
Fungal diseases on the cherry laurel can be treated very well with apple cider vinegar. Mix a tablespoon of vinegar with a liter of water and pour the liquid into a sprayer. Thoroughly wet the affected leaves with this mixture for several consecutive days. Use the product only in the evening or in the morning and never in direct sunlight so that the previously damaged foliage does not get sunburned.
Milk makes powdery mildew disappear
Milk has also proven itself as a natural remedy for powdery mildew:
- Do not use UHT milk, but only use fresh milk.
- Mix one part milk with nine parts water.
- Wet leaves thoroughly every other day until the fungus dies.
The microorganisms contained in the milk fight mildew. At the same time, the sodium phosphate it contains strengthens the immune system of the laurel cherry.
tips and tricks
Spraying with vinegar not only helps with mildew infestation, aphids can also be successfully driven away with this agent.