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Funky Farfugium #772747

Asked September 22, 2021, 5:43 PM EDT

Hi it’s near the end of the season and my Farfugium are getting these brown areas on the leaf edges. Is this something that requires treatment? And when it gets colder do I cut them back or do they go dormant?

Clackamas County Oregon

Expert Response

Dear Peter,

The brown spots could be from a fungal growth, does not look very bad though.  Spray with baking soda/liquid soap you can make at home.  It is 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of liquid soap (not Dawn) in a squirt bottle and fill with water.  Castille soap is easiest on the plants as it will not work through the waxy finish on the leaves.  

If it is a fungus, it is dead and doesn't look like it is spreading.  Spray the undersides as well.  At this time, it is just a precaution though, I don't see any new fungal growth.

It could also have been a few insects sucking on the leaf juices too.

This plant needs fertile soil so to enhance the plant's heartiness feed it lightly for winter. Put compost around the plant with about a 4 inch space between the plant stems and the compost at least 3 inches thick.  Water regularly until the rains come to stay.

It is evergreen so the leaves should remain and it should flower - yellow daisy-like flowers in the fall.

You do not need to cut them back, they should be fine down to about 10 degrees this winter if it gets that cold.  Composting the base of the plant will protect the roots, giving them some extra warmth.  

If you have further questions, please contact us again.

Sheryl Casteen Replied September 22, 2021, 8:24 PM EDT

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