If you’re anything like me, then you care deeply about your plants so when you first notice something odd going on you want to investigate further just in case.
In this case, black spots on Camellia leaves are not a good sign in most cases and this should be addressed as soon as you notice this has happened.
Some of the main causes for black spots on Camellia leaves include leaf spot, sooty mold and overwatering.
So with that being said, here are the causes and solutions that you can get started with today.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is the term that is usually used to refer to fungal issues with plants and this can certainly be a cause for black or dark spots on your Camellia leaves.
In fact, I would say this is the most common cause and should be the first thing you check for when trying to determine what’s causing these black spots or patches on the foliage.
Leaf spot or fungal spores can be spread through soil and even through the air and stay dormant in the soil until something activates them.
Usually water splashing or moist conditions will activate the spores and then they will start going to work on your plant, but not in a good way of course.
Thankfully most fungal issues won’t completely ruin your plant, especially when dealt with soon after noticing symptoms.
Solution
Some ways you can prevent this from happening include watering from the bottom to prevent water from splashing on the leaves or staying on the leaves too long.
Watering earlier in the day will give your Camellia’s leaves a chance to dry out if you do happen to accidentally water the foliage.
Now if this has already occurred then you can start by trimming or pruning the affected leaves and then disposing them in a safe manner so the spores don’t spread to other plants.
Next you can treat your Camellia with an effective fungicide such as neem oil or other products that can be bought to treat fungal issues.
You can also try a DIY combination of a tablespoon of baking soda and a gallon of water as this is a pretty popular remedy for fungus on plants.
Sooty Mold
Sooty mold is a byproduct of a pest issue such as scales, mealy bugs and aphids.
These pests feed on the leaves of Camellia’s and other plants and then leave behind a sort of honeydew which eventually turns into sooty mold which will cause black spots all over your Camellia plant’s leaves.
Some signs of a pest invasion include holes in the leaves, leaves drooping or looking dehydrated, turning yellow, going limp or if the pests are big enough, you’ll be able to see them.
In any case no matter what kind of pests have latched onto your plant, it’s best to deal with them quickly so they can’t do further damage or leave behind any more sooty mold.
Solution
Some pests can be removed simply by spraying or wiping down the leaves with water or by using a towel and rubbing alcohol to wipe the leaves.
On the other hand you may have to use stronger stuff such as neem oil as it’s not only a good fungicide but it works really well at getting rid of pests and then keeping them away.
I recommend this neem oil by the way.
Just keep in mind this stuff can burn leaves if the oil is on the plant during direct sunlight.
Also anytime you have a pest issue you should isolate the affected plant to prevent further spread of pests in your garden.
Overwatering
Overwatering is one of the main causes for plants ceasing to exist and black spots may be a sign that you have a very serious overwatering or drainage issue going on with your Camellia.
Since overwatering starts at the roots causing root rot, issues and discoloration of the leaves usually means that it has progressed quite a bit.
If you notice black spots on the leaves, yellow leaves or other similar issues then you should check the roots of the plant.
If the roots are firm and white then you don’t have rot but if they are dark, mushy or smell weird then it’s time to take action.
Solution
To deal with root rot you should first trim back any roots that are unhealthy and replant your Camellia in a similar environment with dry soil.
Next prune back affected leaves and dispose of them properly.
Going forward make sure to only water when the top few inches of soil have completely dried out and make sure you have good drainage going on as well.
For drainage issues make sure you’re using well draining soil and that the soil is not packed in too tight so the roots can breath and work properly.
If you’re wondering what kind of soil to use, I have a full article on Camellia soil requirements that you can check out.
Also if you’re growing your Camellia plant in a container, then it’s wise to have a drainage hole to ensure water isn’t standing in the soil for too long.