Plant guide:ðŋ Colocasia (Taro / Elephant Ear)
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Fungal
Fungal Leaf Spot (Phyllosticta) on Colocasia
Commonly affects: Colocasia esculenta (Taro / Elephant Ear)
Small, circular, brown or tan spots with a distinct border appear on leaves, sometimes merging into larger dead patches in humid conditions.
Potential Causes
- 1Phyllosticta and related fungal pathogens, favoured by the high humidity Colocasia is typically grown in combined with poor air circulation
- 2Water splashing onto leaves during watering
- 3Overcrowded plants restricting airflow
Solution Steps
- 1Remove and destroy severely affected leaves
- 2Improve air circulation around the plant, even while maintaining the humidity it needs
- 3Water at the soil level, avoiding wetting the foliage where possible
- 4Apply a fungicide labelled for ornamental aroids if the problem is spreading significantly
Prevention Tip
Balancing the high humidity Colocasia needs with adequate airflow is the key to preventing the fungal leaf spots that thrive in still, wet conditions.
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