Dipladenia Black Spots: Lysol Distance, Baking Soda Spray, Check for Scale

Black spots on Dipladenia treated with harsh Lysol caused leaf bleaching. Use Lysol at 12–18 inches, or try baking soda spray recipes. First, confirm spots aren't scale insects.

Lysol Technique

• Hold can 12–18" away; mist lightly. Kills airborne fungi/bacteria + surface.
• Don't saturate leaves.

Baking Soda Spray Recipes

Recipe 1: 1 tbsp oil + 1 gal water + 1 tbsp cider vinegar + 1 tsp Listerine + 1 tbsp liquid soap + 1.5 tbsp baking soda. Mix concentrate, dilute, spray.

Recipe 2: 4 tsp baking soda + 1 gal warm water + 5 ml phosphate-free soap (Dawn/Ivory). Agitate while spraying.

Rotate sprays weekly/10 days to prevent resistance.

Check for Scale First

Scrape spot with fingernail or alcohol Q-tip. If it lifts off, it's scale—treat with alcohol swabs or systemic. If not, fungal—use sprays above.