Informational table showing disease name, symptoms, pathogen/cause, and management of Schefflera (Brassaia) diseases. Disease Symptoms Pathogen/Cause Management Alternaria Leaf Spot Large dark brown spots form on leaves and may have a yellow halo. Alternaria panax Avoid overhead watering. Apply a fungicide to protect plants. Bacterial Leaf Spot Small, tan to yellow, corky, irregularly shaped spots form on the lower surface of the leaf. Spots up to 1/4 inch in diameter turn dark brown. Xanthomonas campestris pv. hederae Purchase plants free from the disease. Avoid overhead watering. Check nearby English ivy (Hedera helix) for bacterial leaf spot. Remove infected plants. Cold Injury Dead areas form on leaves up to several days after exposure. Temperatures below 50° F Do not place plants near air conditioners. Maintain temperatures above 50° F. Leaf Yellowing Leaves become light green or completely yellow. Stems are spindly and weak. Low light intensity Provide some and no more than 16 hours of light per day at 150 ft. candles.

Alternaria leaf spot

Prepared by Gary W. Moorman, Professor of Plant Pathology