Carnation Septoria Symptoms: How To Treat Septoria Leaf Spot Of Carnations

last updated 11 November 2021

Carnation septoria leaf spot is a common, yet highly destructive, disease that spreads rapidly from plant to plant. The good news is that septoria leaf spot of carnations, which shows up in warm, damp conditions, is relatively easy to manage if caught soon after symptoms first appear. Read on to learn more about carnation septoria symptoms and what you can do about this pesky disease.

Recognizing Septoria on Carnations

Septoria on carnations is easy to spot by the development of pale brown patches with purple or violet edges. These show up first on the lower part of the plant. Most likely, you’ll also notice tiny black spores in the center of the rings.

As the spots enlarge and grow together, the leaves may die. Carnation septoria symptoms may include leaves that bend downward or sideways.

Managing Septoria Leaf Spot of Carnations

Septoria on carnations is favored by warm, damp conditions and spreads by splashing water and windborne rain. Mitigating these conditions as much as possible is the key in carnation leaf spot control.

Don’t crowd carnation plants. Allow plenty of space for air to circulate, especially during damp, rainy weather or periods of high humidity. Water at the base of the plant and avoid overhead sprinklers. Although you can’t control the weather, it helps to keep the foliage as dry as possible. Apply a layer of mulch under the plants to keep water from splashing on the leaves.

Sanitation is major in controlling septoria on carnations. Remove infected leaves on and around the plant and dispose of them properly. Keep the area free of weeds and debris; the disease can overwinter on diseased plant matter. Never put infected plant matter in your compost bin.

If carnation septoria leaf spot is severe, spray the plants with a fungicidal product as soon as symptoms appear. The next year, consider planting carnations in a different, unaffected location in your garden.