Warm weather and lots of sun promote the spread of fungal diseases in plants. In spring, roses are also often affected by powdery mildew. The white coating on the leaves is one of the first signs of fungal infection. If you act quickly, the spread can be prevented. We list three home remedies that have proven to be particularly helpful in the fight against mildew.
Powdery mildew on roses: What can you do to quickly combat the fungus?
- The difference between powdery mildew and downy mildew: Typical of powdery mildew is the white coating on the leaves and trunk. It looks like white powder and can be wiped off or rinsed with water. The sign of downy mildew is the yellow spots on the leaves.
- Powdery mildew on roses is a typical rose disease. The pathogen – aFungus only affects rose plantsand cannot spread to nearby trees, flowers and crops. Vice versa - cucumbers, for example, also often fall victim to powdery mildew, but the trigger is a different fungus.
- high humidity,dry leaves, a semi-shady to shady location and temperatures between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius promote infestation.
- In young plants canexcessive fertilizationpromote the spread of the fungus. To avoid this, fertilizethe rose familywith long-term fertilizer. It will gradually release beneficial nutrients into the soil. In contrast, liquid fertilizer in irrigation water provides the plants with a lot of nutrients that young roses cannot absorb.
Treat roses naturally: baking soda with canola oil and liquid soap
Baking soda is touted as a miracle cure for mildew. However, study results have shown that baking soda alone is not sufficiently effective against the fungus. To improve the effect of the home remedy, it is combined with rapeseed oil and liquid soap.
Preparation:Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to an empty and clean 3 liter bottle. Fill 1 teaspoon of rapeseed oil and 1 teaspoon of liquid soap or dishwashing liquid (liquid detergent is not suitable). By the way, you can replace the rapeseed oil with soybean oil. Cap the bottle and shake vigorously to mix the ingredients well.
Application:Pour the solution into a spray bottle and spray the affected plant early in the morning on a cloudy day. The first treatment should show results, so that the fungus does not spread, repeat it three more times in the next 14 days.
This home remedy can help immediately if you use it at the first sign (white leaves) of an infestation. This is often the case, especially in spring - many plants are attacked by the pathogen for the first time. However, if the rose petals have already curled up and are dry and yellow-brown, then you can use thistry next home remedyand achieve better results.
Spray with mouthwash: That's why the home remedy is so effective
If there is a severe infestation, mouthwash can prove to be a particularly effective remedy against mildew. In the USA, professors at the Institute of Plant Biology in Minnesota conducted experiments and found that a mouthwash solution was very effective against powdery mildew. The most important thing is that you use mouthwash with ethanol.
Preparation:For young plants, mouthwash and water are mixed in a ratio of 1 to 4. For roses that are already well established, you can mix mouthwash and water in a ratio of 1 to 3.
Application:Late in the afternoon on a dry day, pour the solution into a spray bottle and spray the plant with it. Treat a second time after 10 – 12 days.
Milk against mildew on roses and in the ground
Scientists have not yet figured out why milk is so effective against mildew. It is believed that the composition of the milk not only fights the fungus, but also strengthens the plants. A treatment with a solution of 100 ml milk and 200 ml water brings particularly good results. Half of the solution is sprayed onto the plant and the other half is shaken onto the ground in the root area. Repeat the application after 7 days.
Treat and prevent mildew naturally with neem oil
Neem oil is traditionally used to combat pests such as aphids. But it is also used in the fight against mildew - and also as a preventative measure. Neem oil is natural, good for plants and not harmful to other animals and insects. It is important that you store and use it according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects rose plants in May. The mushrooms overwinter in the soil and spread quickly in warm weather. To protect the plants, you should also strengthen them with slow-release fertilizer and choose a location that is as sunny as possible.
