Camellia Sooty Mold: Insect-Induced Black Coating

Black Soot + White Powder = Insects + Fungus

The black sooty substance on top of leaves and bark is sooty mold feeding on honeydew. The powdery white spots underneath are likely the insects themselves (scale, aphids, or mealybugs) or their waxy coverings.

Control the Insects, Eliminate the Mold

• Identify the insect (take a sample to a nursery).
• Apply the appropriate insecticide.
• The sooty mold will disappear once the honeydew stops.

It’s unsightly but not a direct disease of the camellia.