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Queen of the night
Selenicereus grandiflorus
Queen of the night is a captivating, nocturnal-blooming cactus with sprawling, slender stems that often climb or drape over structures. At night, its exceptionally large, fragrant white flowers unfurl, an adaptation for pollination by nocturnal creatures. This climber is originally from tropical forests where it's accustomed to growing on other plants or rocks, benefiting from the well-draining conditions.
Hardiness Zones
10 to 11
Care Guide for Queen of the night
Feedback
Watering Care
Drought-tolerant. Allow the soil to dry completely between watering.
Fertilizing Care
Fertilization once every 2-3 months during the growing season.
Know the light your plants really get.
Find the best spots for them to optimize their health, simply using your phone.
Scan QR code to download
Queen of the night
Hardiness Zones
10 to 11
Key Facts About Queen of the night
Feedback
Attributes of Queen of the night
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Shrub
Bloom Time
Mid summer
Plant Height
20 cm
Spread
15 cm
Flower Color
White
Fruit Color
Red
Leaf type
Evergreen
Ideal Temperature
20 - 38 ℃
Scientific Classification of Queen of the night
Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Dicotyledons
Order
Pinks, cacti, and allies
Family
Cactuses
Genus
Selenicereus
Species
Queen of the night
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Common Pests & Diseases About Queen of the night
Feedback
Common issues for Queen of the night based on 10 million real cases
Treat and prevent plant diseases.
AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.
Scars
Any light-colored markings that appear on stems but which do not enlarge or multiply are simply scars that have healed.
Solutions: Each source of scarring requires a different approach to help your plant recover. Protect the trunk and leaves from physical damage like scrapes. If pests or disease are the cause of scarring, isolate the plant from others to avoid further spread. Some pests can be removed with organic remedies such as a soft cloth and soapy water solution or diluted isopropyl alcohol spray. Stop sunburn by moving your plant away from direct sunlight and making sure it has the water it needs. Frequent leaf or bud loss may be due to insufficient light or nutrients.
Stem rot
Bacterial infection can cause the stems to become soft and rotten.
Solutions: If the plant is only infected a little, it can sometimes be saved. This mainly applies to houseplants that are grown in pots. Here's what to do. Remove the plant from the pot and gently shake off as much soil as possible. Using pruning tools that have been disinfected, remove any diseased foliage and roots. Be sure the new pot has good drainage holes and wash it with one part bleach and nine parts water to ensure that it is completely clean and sanitized. Dip the plant's roots in fungicide to kill off any remaining fungal spores before potting into the clean growing medium. Only water the plant when the top inch of the soil is dry and never let the plant sit in water. For plants that are grown in the ground, it's best just to remove the infected plants and destroy them. Do not plant in the same spot until the soil has been allowed to dry out and has been treated with a fungicide.
Root deformity
Root deformities can have a variety of causes
Solutions: There are a few key steps to take if root deformity is suspected: Prevent the spread of fungal diseases - if a fungal pathogen is to blame for the root deformity, there’s not much to do once it sets into the soil. Prevent it from spreading by applying a fungicide or adjusting the soil pH based on what is needed for the specific type of plant. Do not re-use this soil for future plantings. Harvest selectively - for root vegetables like carrots or parsnips, the tubers may still be usable. Cull some of the crop or cut away affected areas, but the rest should still be safe to eat.
Branch blight
Branch blight can cause lignified branches to dry up entirely and die.
Solutions: Inspect trees frequently, and remove any infected branches as soon as possible. Branch blight cannot be cured, so the only treatment is to prune the tree and monitor it carefully for signs of the disease. All affected parts of the tree should be removed, since blight can survive over the winter inside the plant’s tissues. Blight can become systemic in the tree, in which case the entire plant should be removed so it does not remain a host for the pathogen and allow it to spread.
Scars
Any light-colored markings that appear on stems but which do not enlarge or multiply are simply scars that have healed.
Symptom Analysis
Scars form when the plant repairs wounds. They can be the result of people or pets passing by and scraping the plant. Once the underlying issue is resolved, the plant will heal but a scar may remain.
Pests and pathogens can also cause scarring. Insects may attack the plant for a meal, resulting in extensive scarring when a few invaders turn into an infestation. Diseases such as fungus and bacteria can weaken the plant, causing brown spots, mushy areas, or blisters that lead to scars.
Scars occur on stems when a leaf or bud has been lost and the plant has healed. The harder tissue is like a scab that protects a wound.
On other occasions, scars can signal problems from environmental conditions, such as overexposure to sunlight or heat. It might surprise you to know that plants can suffer from sunburn, even desert dwellers like cactus!
Solutions
Each source of scarring requires a different approach to help your plant recover.
- Protect the trunk and leaves from physical damage like scrapes.
- If pests or disease are the cause of scarring, isolate the plant from others to avoid further spread. Some pests can be removed with organic remedies such as a soft cloth and soapy water solution or diluted isopropyl alcohol spray.
- Stop sunburn by moving your plant away from direct sunlight and making sure it has the water it needs.
- Frequent leaf or bud loss may be due to insufficient light or nutrients.
Prevention
Preventing some sources of scarring is easier than others, but all start with careful attention to your plants once you decide to bring them home.
- Review specific guidelines for your plant, including soil drainage, watering, and fertilizer requirements.
- Inspect plants before planting and use sterile pots and fresh potting soil or media to limit transfer of fungi or bacteria.
- Once established, check your plants regularly for signs of scarring or the presence of pests, as it is better to catch problems as early as possible.
Continue reading in our app - it's better
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Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app
Stem rot
Bacterial infection can cause the stems to become soft and rotten.
Overview
Stem rot is a serious disease and can affect many different types of plants. it can be particularly prevalent when the temperature of the soil is over 16 ℃ and there's a lot of moisture in the soil. This could be from unusually heavy rainfalls or too much irrigation. Once stem rot sets in, it's very difficult to get rid of the disease and most affected plants will have to be discarded. This is especially the case for vegetables, herbs, and other herbaceous plants that have soft stems. This is why it's important to ensure that the soil used for growing these plants is well-drained and that overwatering is avoided. Using good cultural practices also help in curbing these types of fungal diseases.
Symptom Analysis
Plants that have been affected by stem rot will first display a yellowing of the lower leaves. This is followed by obvious wilting and stunted growth.
If the stem of the affected plant is examined closely, there will be some dark discolorations starting near the base and moving upward. If the roots of affected plants are examined, they will appear dark and mushy instead of white and healthy-looking. Eventually, the entire plant will wilt and die.
Disease Cause
Stem rot is caused by a variety of soil-borne fungus pathogens. The type of fungus depends on the species of plant that is affected. Two fungi responsible for stem rot are Rhizoctonia and Fusarium. These fungal pathogens live in soil and migrate to the plant when conditions are optimum. This includes warm, humid weather and excessive soil moisture. Commonly, vegetable seedlings are affected by these fungi.
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is another fungus that causes stem rot in plants. This fungus has a host range of over 350 different species of plants. Plants most susceptible to this fungus include many vegetable varieties such as cucumbers, beans, cilantro, carrots, cabbage, melons, lettuce, peas, onions, tomatoes, pumpkins, and squash. This fungus can produce different symptoms in different species. In some cases, the fungus causes irregular spots on stems and other plant material that appear water-soaked. On other plant species, the fungus appears as dry lesions that grow and girdle the stem of the plant.
The third type of fungus that causes stem rot is Phytophthora capsici. Plants that belong to the cucumber family are most susceptible to this fungal infection. This fungus manifests as water-soaked lesions on the stems that then turn brown and girdle the stem.
All of these fungal pathogens are transmitted to the plant by water splashing from the soil up onto the plant. That's because the fungal spores live in the soil where they wait for the right conditions to infect the plants.
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants and unlimited guides at your fingertips...
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app
Root deformity
Root deformities can have a variety of causes
Overview
Although root deformity is a problem that can occur with just about any type of plant, it tends to be more noticeable in root crops such as carrots, parsnips, or potatoes. In any plant, it is important to address root deformity in its early stages so that they are able to grow to their fullest potential.
Symptom Analysis
There are countless symptoms of root deformity and associated root problems in plants. In fact, these symptoms often co-occur with dozens of others, making it hard to tell which disease, pest, or environmental condition is responsible for a given plant’s suffering and failure to thrive.
Some of the most common symptoms you will see in plants with root deformity problems are:
- Roots that are misshapen, rotten, or stunted
- Roots that become brown and mushy as areas begin to die back
- Stunted growth
- Wilted or yellowing leaves
- Premature leaf drop
- Delayed blooming
Root deformity is not a disease that occurs on its own but is instead a symptom of many other common plant problems. Because of that, it is exceedingly important to examine all the issues to figure out what is going wrong.
Disease Cause
There are several reasons why plants may develop malformed roots.
One of the most common is related to the environment. Environmental conditions related to moisture, soil structure, and nutrient load can commonly cause issues with root formation.
Not all soils are conducive to creating healthy roots. Roots need room to grow, spread, and breathe. When plants are grown in soil that is rocky or composed of heavy clay, it does not give them the opportunity to do so. Roots that do most of the “storage work” for plants, such as those of beets, kohlrabi, potatoes, carrots, turnips, and so on, are most likely to suffer from this cause.
There are various plant diseases that can cause plant roots to become malformed. These are generally plant- and species-specific but can include diseases such as root rot. Clubroot is another disease that typically affects plants in the mustard family, such as cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.
There are even pests, such as root-knot nematodes, that can cause root damage, malformation, and death in a long list of plant species.
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants and unlimited guides at your fingertips...
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app
Branch blight
Branch blight can cause lignified branches to dry up entirely and die.
Overview
"Blight" is an umbrella term used to describe a category of tree diseases caused by fungus or bacteria. Branch blight occurs when fungus attacks the branches and twigs of a tree, resulting in branches slowly dying off.
Branch blight can affect most species of trees to some degree, and it may be called by different names including twig blight or stem blight. It is caused by a variety of fungi which attack branches first, especially immature growth.
Blight usually occurs in warm, humid conditions, so is most common in the spring and summer months. Because specific environmental conditions are required, the frequency of branch blight can vary from year to year. This makes the disease hard to control, as it can spread between trees and affect multiple plants in a short period of time.
In the worst-case scenario, trees can lose significant portions of their foliage and fail to produce fruit. Young or unhealthy trees could die off completely.
Symptom Analysis
The first symptoms of branch blight are that the emerging foliage turns brown or gray at the tips, especially on the smallest branches. Brown spots cover the entire surface of the leaves, eventually causing leaves and stems to shrivel and fall off. Over time, the dying tissue will spread toward the center of the plant. If left untreated, spores from the attacking fungus may appear on dying foliage within 3-4 weeks of the infection.
In some cases, lesions may form at the spot where the twig branches off from the healthy tissue. Branches may display girdling, which is a band of damaged tissue encircling the branch. An untreated tree will eventually lose all of its foliage and die.
Disease Cause
- Pathogens on young twigs and foliage cause disease
- Stressed and unhealthy trees are more susceptible - root injury due to physical or insect damage, infection, or aging can prevent adequate absorption of water and nutrients
- Extremely wet conditions including sprinkler watering can attract fungus
- Fungi can be transmitted between nearby trees
Continue reading in our app - it's better
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Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app
Distribution of Queen of the night
Feedback
Distribution Map of Queen of the night
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
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Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Botanist in your pocket
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About
Care Guide
More Info
Pests & Diseases
Distribution
Queen of the night
Selenicereus grandiflorus
Queen of the night is a captivating, nocturnal-blooming cactus with sprawling, slender stems that often climb or drape over structures. At night, its exceptionally large, fragrant white flowers unfurl, an adaptation for pollination by nocturnal creatures. This climber is originally from tropical forests where it's accustomed to growing on other plants or rocks, benefiting from the well-draining conditions.
Hardiness Zones
10 to 11
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Care Guide for Queen of the night
Feedback
Watering Care
Drought-tolerant. Allow the soil to dry completely between watering.
Fertilizing Care
Fertilization once every 2-3 months during the growing season.
Ideal Temperature
10 to 11
Know the light your plants really get.
Find the best spots for them to optimize their health, simply using your phone.
Download the App for Free
Download
Key Facts About Queen of the night
Feedback
Attributes of Queen of the night
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Shrub
Bloom Time
Mid summer
Plant Height
20 cm
Spread
15 cm
Flower Color
White
Fruit Color
Red
Leaf type
Evergreen
Ideal Temperature
20 - 38 ℃
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Scientific Classification of Queen of the night
Phylum
Vascular plants Class
Dicotyledons Order
Pinks, cacti, and allies Family
Cactuses Genus
Selenicereus Species
Queen of the night 
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Common Pests & Diseases About Queen of the night
Feedback
Common issues for Queen of the night based on 10 million real cases
Plant disease auto-diagnose & prevention
AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.
Download the App for Free
Scars
Any light-colored markings that appear on stems but which do not enlarge or multiply are simply scars that have healed.
Solutions: Each source of scarring requires a different approach to help your plant recover. Protect the trunk and leaves from physical damage like scrapes. If pests or disease are the cause of scarring, isolate the plant from others to avoid further spread. Some pests can be removed with organic remedies such as a soft cloth and soapy water solution or diluted isopropyl alcohol spray. Stop sunburn by moving your plant away from direct sunlight and making sure it has the water it needs. Frequent leaf or bud loss may be due to insufficient light or nutrients.
Learn More About the Scars ![more]()
Stem rot
Bacterial infection can cause the stems to become soft and rotten.
Solutions: If the plant is only infected a little, it can sometimes be saved. This mainly applies to houseplants that are grown in pots. Here's what to do. Remove the plant from the pot and gently shake off as much soil as possible. Using pruning tools that have been disinfected, remove any diseased foliage and roots. Be sure the new pot has good drainage holes and wash it with one part bleach and nine parts water to ensure that it is completely clean and sanitized. Dip the plant's roots in fungicide to kill off any remaining fungal spores before potting into the clean growing medium. Only water the plant when the top inch of the soil is dry and never let the plant sit in water. For plants that are grown in the ground, it's best just to remove the infected plants and destroy them. Do not plant in the same spot until the soil has been allowed to dry out and has been treated with a fungicide.
Learn More About the Stem rot ![more]()
Root deformity
Root deformities can have a variety of causes
Solutions: There are a few key steps to take if root deformity is suspected: Prevent the spread of fungal diseases - if a fungal pathogen is to blame for the root deformity, there’s not much to do once it sets into the soil. Prevent it from spreading by applying a fungicide or adjusting the soil pH based on what is needed for the specific type of plant. Do not re-use this soil for future plantings. Harvest selectively - for root vegetables like carrots or parsnips, the tubers may still be usable. Cull some of the crop or cut away affected areas, but the rest should still be safe to eat.
Learn More About the Root deformity ![more]()
Branch blight
Branch blight can cause lignified branches to dry up entirely and die.
Solutions: Inspect trees frequently, and remove any infected branches as soon as possible. Branch blight cannot be cured, so the only treatment is to prune the tree and monitor it carefully for signs of the disease. All affected parts of the tree should be removed, since blight can survive over the winter inside the plant’s tissues. Blight can become systemic in the tree, in which case the entire plant should be removed so it does not remain a host for the pathogen and allow it to spread.
Learn More About the Branch blight ![more]()
Scars
Any light-colored markings that appear on stems but which do not enlarge or multiply are simply scars that have healed.
Symptom Analysis
Scars form when the plant repairs wounds. They can be the result of people or pets passing by and scraping the plant. Once the underlying issue is resolved, the plant will heal but a scar may remain.
Pests and pathogens can also cause scarring. Insects may attack the plant for a meal, resulting in extensive scarring when a few invaders turn into an infestation. Diseases such as fungus and bacteria can weaken the plant, causing brown spots, mushy areas, or blisters that lead to scars.
Scars occur on stems when a leaf or bud has been lost and the plant has healed. The harder tissue is like a scab that protects a wound.
On other occasions, scars can signal problems from environmental conditions, such as overexposure to sunlight or heat. It might surprise you to know that plants can suffer from sunburn, even desert dwellers like cactus!
Solutions
Each source of scarring requires a different approach to help your plant recover.
- Protect the trunk and leaves from physical damage like scrapes.
- If pests or disease are the cause of scarring, isolate the plant from others to avoid further spread. Some pests can be removed with organic remedies such as a soft cloth and soapy water solution or diluted isopropyl alcohol spray.
- Stop sunburn by moving your plant away from direct sunlight and making sure it has the water it needs.
- Frequent leaf or bud loss may be due to insufficient light or nutrients.
Prevention
Preventing some sources of scarring is easier than others, but all start with careful attention to your plants once you decide to bring them home.
- Review specific guidelines for your plant, including soil drainage, watering, and fertilizer requirements.
- Inspect plants before planting and use sterile pots and fresh potting soil or media to limit transfer of fungi or bacteria.
- Once established, check your plants regularly for signs of scarring or the presence of pests, as it is better to catch problems as early as possible.
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
Stem rot
Bacterial infection can cause the stems to become soft and rotten.
Overview
Stem rot is a serious disease and can affect many different types of plants. it can be particularly prevalent when the temperature of the soil is over 16 ℃ and there's a lot of moisture in the soil. This could be from unusually heavy rainfalls or too much irrigation. Once stem rot sets in, it's very difficult to get rid of the disease and most affected plants will have to be discarded. This is especially the case for vegetables, herbs, and other herbaceous plants that have soft stems. This is why it's important to ensure that the soil used for growing these plants is well-drained and that overwatering is avoided. Using good cultural practices also help in curbing these types of fungal diseases.
Symptom Analysis
Plants that have been affected by stem rot will first display a yellowing of the lower leaves. This is followed by obvious wilting and stunted growth.
If the stem of the affected plant is examined closely, there will be some dark discolorations starting near the base and moving upward. If the roots of affected plants are examined, they will appear dark and mushy instead of white and healthy-looking. Eventually, the entire plant will wilt and die.
Disease Cause
Stem rot is caused by a variety of soil-borne fungus pathogens. The type of fungus depends on the species of plant that is affected. Two fungi responsible for stem rot are Rhizoctonia and Fusarium. These fungal pathogens live in soil and migrate to the plant when conditions are optimum. This includes warm, humid weather and excessive soil moisture. Commonly, vegetable seedlings are affected by these fungi.
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is another fungus that causes stem rot in plants. This fungus has a host range of over 350 different species of plants. Plants most susceptible to this fungus include many vegetable varieties such as cucumbers, beans, cilantro, carrots, cabbage, melons, lettuce, peas, onions, tomatoes, pumpkins, and squash. This fungus can produce different symptoms in different species. In some cases, the fungus causes irregular spots on stems and other plant material that appear water-soaked. On other plant species, the fungus appears as dry lesions that grow and girdle the stem of the plant.
The third type of fungus that causes stem rot is Phytophthora capsici. Plants that belong to the cucumber family are most susceptible to this fungal infection. This fungus manifests as water-soaked lesions on the stems that then turn brown and girdle the stem.
All of these fungal pathogens are transmitted to the plant by water splashing from the soil up onto the plant. That's because the fungal spores live in the soil where they wait for the right conditions to infect the plants.
Solutions
If the plant is only infected a little, it can sometimes be saved. This mainly applies to houseplants that are grown in pots. Here's what to do.
- Remove the plant from the pot and gently shake off as much soil as possible.
- Using pruning tools that have been disinfected, remove any diseased foliage and roots.
- Be sure the new pot has good drainage holes and wash it with one part bleach and nine parts water to ensure that it is completely clean and sanitized.
- Dip the plant's roots in fungicide to kill off any remaining fungal spores before potting into the clean growing medium.
- Only water the plant when the top inch of the soil is dry and never let the plant sit in water.
For plants that are grown in the ground, it's best just to remove the infected plants and destroy them. Do not plant in the same spot until the soil has been allowed to dry out and has been treated with a fungicide.
Prevention
For outdoor gardens:
- Raking the garden thoroughly in the springtime will help to cut down on pathogens that may be living in the soil.
- Using a copper fungicide on plants in the springtime will cut down on fungal growth and prevent the spread of infection.
- Placing a heavy layer of mulch on top of the soil will also prevent pathogens from splashing up onto the stems of plants.
- Place plants at the recommended spacing to encourage better air flow between them.
- Water plants at the base instead of overhead to prevent excessive moisture on foliage.
For indoor plants:
- Avoid overwatering houseplants and ensure the roots do not sit in water.
- Make sure that indoor plants receive adequate air circulation and light.
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
Root deformity
Root deformities can have a variety of causes
Overview
Although root deformity is a problem that can occur with just about any type of plant, it tends to be more noticeable in root crops such as carrots, parsnips, or potatoes. In any plant, it is important to address root deformity in its early stages so that they are able to grow to their fullest potential.
Symptom Analysis
There are countless symptoms of root deformity and associated root problems in plants. In fact, these symptoms often co-occur with dozens of others, making it hard to tell which disease, pest, or environmental condition is responsible for a given plant’s suffering and failure to thrive.
Some of the most common symptoms you will see in plants with root deformity problems are:
- Roots that are misshapen, rotten, or stunted
- Roots that become brown and mushy as areas begin to die back
- Stunted growth
- Wilted or yellowing leaves
- Premature leaf drop
- Delayed blooming
Root deformity is not a disease that occurs on its own but is instead a symptom of many other common plant problems. Because of that, it is exceedingly important to examine all the issues to figure out what is going wrong.
Disease Cause
There are several reasons why plants may develop malformed roots.
One of the most common is related to the environment. Environmental conditions related to moisture, soil structure, and nutrient load can commonly cause issues with root formation.
Not all soils are conducive to creating healthy roots. Roots need room to grow, spread, and breathe. When plants are grown in soil that is rocky or composed of heavy clay, it does not give them the opportunity to do so. Roots that do most of the “storage work” for plants, such as those of beets, kohlrabi, potatoes, carrots, turnips, and so on, are most likely to suffer from this cause.
There are various plant diseases that can cause plant roots to become malformed. These are generally plant- and species-specific but can include diseases such as root rot. Clubroot is another disease that typically affects plants in the mustard family, such as cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.
There are even pests, such as root-knot nematodes, that can cause root damage, malformation, and death in a long list of plant species.
Solutions
There are a few key steps to take if root deformity is suspected:
- Prevent the spread of fungal diseases - if a fungal pathogen is to blame for the root deformity, there’s not much to do once it sets into the soil. Prevent it from spreading by applying a fungicide or adjusting the soil pH based on what is needed for the specific type of plant. Do not re-use this soil for future plantings.
- Harvest selectively - for root vegetables like carrots or parsnips, the tubers may still be usable. Cull some of the crop or cut away affected areas, but the rest should still be safe to eat.
Prevention
There are several steps for preventing root deformity from impacting your plants;
- Address spacing issues - one of the most common reasons for root deformity is plants that are growing too close together. Space plants according to the recommendations listed on the seed packet or in the planting guidelines.
- Thin plants - some plants benefit from thinning after they have germinated. Consult the planting guidelines for each species, but know that removing all but the healthiest seedlings can provide them with the space they need to grow.
- Improve soil quality - rocky and compacted soils can cause root deformity. Aerate the soil prior to planting and remove as many rocky or clay-dominated areas as possible.
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
Branch blight
Branch blight can cause lignified branches to dry up entirely and die.
Overview
"Blight" is an umbrella term used to describe a category of tree diseases caused by fungus or bacteria. Branch blight occurs when fungus attacks the branches and twigs of a tree, resulting in branches slowly dying off.
Branch blight can affect most species of trees to some degree, and it may be called by different names including twig blight or stem blight. It is caused by a variety of fungi which attack branches first, especially immature growth.
Blight usually occurs in warm, humid conditions, so is most common in the spring and summer months. Because specific environmental conditions are required, the frequency of branch blight can vary from year to year. This makes the disease hard to control, as it can spread between trees and affect multiple plants in a short period of time.
In the worst-case scenario, trees can lose significant portions of their foliage and fail to produce fruit. Young or unhealthy trees could die off completely.
Symptom Analysis
The first symptoms of branch blight are that the emerging foliage turns brown or gray at the tips, especially on the smallest branches. Brown spots cover the entire surface of the leaves, eventually causing leaves and stems to shrivel and fall off. Over time, the dying tissue will spread toward the center of the plant. If left untreated, spores from the attacking fungus may appear on dying foliage within 3-4 weeks of the infection.
In some cases, lesions may form at the spot where the twig branches off from the healthy tissue. Branches may display girdling, which is a band of damaged tissue encircling the branch. An untreated tree will eventually lose all of its foliage and die.
Disease Cause
- Pathogens on young twigs and foliage cause disease
- Stressed and unhealthy trees are more susceptible - root injury due to physical or insect damage, infection, or aging can prevent adequate absorption of water and nutrients
- Extremely wet conditions including sprinkler watering can attract fungus
- Fungi can be transmitted between nearby trees
Solutions
- Inspect trees frequently, and remove any infected branches as soon as possible. Branch blight cannot be cured, so the only treatment is to prune the tree and monitor it carefully for signs of the disease.
- All affected parts of the tree should be removed, since blight can survive over the winter inside the plant’s tissues.
- Blight can become systemic in the tree, in which case the entire plant should be removed so it does not remain a host for the pathogen and allow it to spread.
Prevention
- Avoid purchasing trees with dead or dying growth.
- Sterilize cutting tools frequently when pruning to avoid spreading fungus between plants.
- Keep trees mulched and watered, especially during dry periods, to prevent stress.
- Avoid splashing water on the leaves when watering, as wet foliage is attractive to fungi and bacteria.
- When planting, allow enough room between trees that there will be sufficient air circulation for them to dry out. Crowding trees too close together can increase humidity and allow the fungi to transfer.
- When conditions are wet and humid, a fungicide can be used on new growth.
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
Distribution of Queen of the night
Feedback
Distribution Map of Queen of the night
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
