Bacterial infection on houseplants
Common causes of bacterial infection and the first things to check, summarized from 1 PlantGrail care records across 1 plant (as of ).
What causes bacterial infection on houseplants?
Bacterial leaf spot on pothos caused by Xanthomonas campestris or Pseudomonas species introduced through contaminated water, infected propagation material, or contact with infected plants. Bacteria enter through stomata or wounds and multiply in intercellular spaces, producing water-soaked lesions that may ooze bacterial exudate under humid conditions.
Common first steps
- Sterilize pruners with 70% isopropyl alcohol before and after each cut to prevent spreading bacteria between plants
- Remove all affected leaves at the base by cutting the petiole close to the stem; dispose of infected tissue in sealed bag away from plants
- Apply copper-based bactericide (copper sulfate or copper hydroxide) following label directions for houseplants; repeat every 7-10 days
Plants with records for bacterial infection
Most records first. Open a plant for its own causes and fixes.
Questions about bacterial infection
Which plants have the most records for bacterial infection?
pothos.
Can bacterial infection be prevented?
Quarantine all new plants for 2-4 weeks with daily visual inspection before introducing to collection. Use filtered or distilled water to minimize bacterial introduction. Avoid overhead watering or misting that wets foliage; bottom-water instead. Sterilize propagation tools with 70% isopropyl alcohol before and after each cut.
What are these records?
This page summarizes 1 PlantGrail care records on bacterial infection. Records describe care topics; they are not counts of observed plants or treatment outcomes.