Botanic Garden >> Gardening > >> Question and Answer >> Plant Diseases

Little Gem Magnolia Black Coating: Scale and Sooty Mold

Phil's 'Little Gem' magnolia in SC has black powder on leaves/branches that scrapes off but doesn't wipe; undersides shiny and healthy.

Diagnosis & Solution

Black coating = sooty mold from scale insects. Apply Atomic Grow (organic)—new growth emerges clean; rain and spraying gradually remove old coating. Ongoing use prevents recurrence.

Plant Diseases: Lichens on Little Gem Magnolia: Harmless Epiphytes; Ants on Sunflowers: They’re Farming the Real Pests; Wax Scale on Little Gem Magnolia: Systemic Treatment; Dealing with Black Leaves and Bark on Magnolia Trees: Causes and Solutions; Potted Magnolia Yellowing and Brown Spots: Water, Fertilizer, and Algae; Black Spots on Small Cacti: Root Mealybugs or Rot?; Magnolia Tree Yellowing After Yard Renovation: Root Damage Suspected; Black Moor Goldfish Eye Injury: Popeye or Trauma?; 'Little Gem' Southern Magnolia: Compact Evergreen Elegance; Magnolia 'Black Tulip': Deep Burgundy Tulip-Shaped Flowers

Garden Articles

Peruvian Apple Cactus Decline After Move and Cold

Black Spots on Orchid Petals and Roots: Fungus, Scale, and Humidity Issues

Eliminating Fungus Gnats from Wandering Jew Plants

Black Spots on Outdoor Jade Plant: Seek Local Expertise

Eliminating Fungus Gnats After Repotting

Identifying Tiny Black Jumping Bugs Causing Allergic Reactions

Magnolia 'Black Tulip' (Magnolia 'Black Tulip'): Deep Purple Goblets

Plants

Magnolia Scale and Sooty Mold: Insecticide Needed Beyond Hand-Picking

Fungus Gnats in Houseplants: Sticky Traps, Drier Soil, and Nematodes

Cattleya Alliance Black Leaf Spots: Sunburn vs. Fungus, Physan Soak Protocol

Pruning Magnolia in Florida: Timing & Technique

Treating Sooty Mold on Magnolia Seedlings

Tiny Black Flying Gnats: Fungus Gnats from Overwatering or Rotting Produce—Eliminate by Drying Soil

Black Twig Borer Damage on Sweet Bay Magnolia: Identification and Management