Azalea plants are such a wonderful addition to just about any home or garden and a great to have around even if just for aesthetics.
So if you notice your Azalea leaves turning white, then you know something isn’t quite right and the plant needs some attention.
Unfortunately, there are a variety of causes for white leaves or white spots on Azalea’s so it may not be clear right away which of these causes is the actual cause.
Thankfully I’m here to give you some clues as to why your Azalea has gone white or pale and the steps you can take to correct this issue.
So without further ado, here are some of the most common causes for white leaves and what you can do about it.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal issue that can be caused by either high humid conditions or it can be completely random as this stuff can spread by being carried in the wind for several miles.
Unfortunately it’s a major cause for Azalea leaves turning white.
The tell tale sign of powdery mildew is a powdery white substance on your Azalea leaves.
There isn’t really anything else that would cause this kind of distinct texture on the plant so if you notice this kind of symptom it’s safe to assume it is in fact powdery mildew.
Solution
Thankfully there are a few different ways you can treat powdery mildew.
One way you can is with household items such as baking soda and water.
You can mix one tablespoon of baking soda into a gallon of water and then apply it to your Azalea as this actually works quite well for powdery mildew.
Another option is to use effective fungicides such as neem oil to spray on the plant.
If you want to try the neem then I recommend this neem oil for ya.
Just make sure your Azalea stays in shade until it dries as it can have a tendency to burn leaves if left out in the sun before it has a chance to dry.
Once the powdery mildew is taken care of, your Azalea will no longer be white because the powder will be gone!
Pests
There are a variety of pests that can latch onto Azalea’s such as the Azalea lace bug, spider mites, thrips, scales, mealybugs and more.
These pests can and will feed on the plant, taking nutrients which will cause your Azalea leaves to turn white or pale as a result.
They can also cause your Azalea to just turn white from the pests themselves such as mealybugs or webbing from spider mites.
Some signs you have pests on your Azalea include webbing, white spots or patches, holes in the leaves, drooping leaves or overall discoloration.
Pests are also a major cause for Azalea leaves curling if you have that issue as well.
Solution
There are actually a few different ways to get rid of pests such as just using water and some pressure to spray them away.
This doesn’t always work though as some pests are more resilient than others and require different methods.
Another way you can remove them is by using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them by hand one by one.
Lastly, and personally I find the most effective is to just use some neem oil since it’s good for fungus and pest control.
Plus it helps keep the pests from returning.
Once the pests are removed, you won’t have to worry about your Azalea turning white anymore and you can just prune back the affected or damaged parts of the plant.
Sun Scorch
Although Azalea’s can do quite well in some full sun, too much of this or if it’s too hot outside can cause scorched leaves on the plant.
This can result in discoloration of the leaves including turning white or cause brown tips.
Sun scorched leaves are also a cause for Azalea leaves turning red by the way.
Most of the time your Azalea should be in some shade, but a few hours of full sun will be just fine.
Solution
If you find your Azalea is getting sun burnt leaves then you will have to find somewhere that gets much less light or intense light altogether.
When growing outdoors you can use a covered balcony, grow under a porch, or under some trees as well.
If you’re growing indoors then you can use most window locations as long as the plant is at least 1 foot away from any given window.
Unfortunately, if the leaves have already become sun scorched then you will have to prune them back as the discoloration won’t correct itself.
Thankfully this makes it easier for fresh new growth to occur as the plant can use more energy on new growth, rather than wasting it on unrecoverable leaves.
Low Light
Although too much light can cause issues, not enough light can also cause your Azalea to turn white or pale as well.
If this plant doesn’t receive enough light, then you can expect some chlorosis to occur which is a loss of chlorophyll needed to complete photosynthesis.
This can cause the foliage to turn from healthy green to white, pale or yellow.
Solution
For this you will once again need to find a location that get’s 10 plus hours of light per day, even if the plant is in shade the entire time.
Partial light is all that’s really needed to keep your Azalea growing and looking it’s best.
So as long as you aren’t growing the plant in complete darkness you should be fine and the plant will recover once it starts getting the right amount and type of light.
Nutrient Loss
Nutrient loss overall can once again cause chlorosis and the Azalea to turn white as a result.
This can occur from poor drainage, compacted roots and high alkalinity soil.
Azalea’s require nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous as it’s main nutrient needs but a loss of iron can also cause issues as well.
Solution
If you suspect your Azalea has turned white due to nutrient deficiency, then you will need to have a look at the soil and roots.
Thankfully I have a full article on Azalea soil requirements that will give you everything you need to know on that topic so you can select the right type of soil.
FAQ’s
Below are some frequently asked questions and answers for why your Azalea leaves are turning white.
How Do You Treat White Leaves On Azalea’s?
The first thing to do when treating white leaves on Azalea’s is to identify the cause or causes of this issue and then quickly act on it whether it be using fungicides or just moving the plant to a different location.
Finding the actual cause is the most important thing to do as each cause can have a different treatment approach.
What Is The White Stuff On My Azalea Branches?
The white stuff on your Azalea branches will most likely be the Azalea lace bug which is a pest that will feed on the plant and take nutrients as well.
They tend to live underneath the leaves and leave behind tiny white dots or bumps on the upper side of the leaves as a result.
I would use neem oil on these pests to play it safe.
What Is The White Powdery Stuff On My Azalea’s
This white powdery stuff on your Azalea is called powdery mildew which is a fungal issue that can be treated with baking soda and water or by using an effective fungicide.