What is killing my indoor bay plant? - Ask Extension
After treating this bay plant for months with an alcohol spray to kill scale, the leaves have started turning this silver color, dehydrating, and fall...
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What is killing my indoor bay plant? #824075
Asked March 31, 2023, 2:45 PM EDT
After treating this bay plant for months with an alcohol spray to kill scale, the leaves have started turning this silver color, dehydrating, and falling off. None of my apps can identify the issue. Can you help, please?
Cuyahoga County Ohio
Expert Response
Dear Barbara
While alcohol can be wonderful for inhibiting insects, the mechanism by which it works - desiccation (drying) - can also do significant damage to your leaves over time.
Leaves have lipid layers and the alcohol can dry leaves and interfere with the lipid layer that protects the surface of leaves.
If this is the issue, then new leaves should not show this problem.
Also, if you are spraying your plant, I suggest you use limited amounts, applying the alcohol with a q-tip to specific areas instead of spraying the entire plant or leaf.
Do not over water your plant; just keep it evenly moist as it recovers.
All the best, Roxanne
While alcohol can be wonderful for inhibiting insects, the mechanism by which it works - desiccation (drying) - can also do significant damage to your leaves over time.
Leaves have lipid layers and the alcohol can dry leaves and interfere with the lipid layer that protects the surface of leaves.
If this is the issue, then new leaves should not show this problem.
Also, if you are spraying your plant, I suggest you use limited amounts, applying the alcohol with a q-tip to specific areas instead of spraying the entire plant or leaf.
Do not over water your plant; just keep it evenly moist as it recovers.
All the best, Roxanne
Dear Roxanne,
Thank you very much for this response. I had wondered if the alcohol mixture (1 part alchohol to 9 parts water) might be a factor since I was spraying every leaf and stem to get rid of scale. Would you suggest I remove the dessicated leaves or prune the stems way back?
Your advice is much appreciated!
Barbara
It might be a little untidy for awhile, but I suggest you do not remove partially desiccated leaves or prune the plant until you see some good strong growth this spring. The partially desiccated leaves can still help the plant photosynthesize some food. You can remove any dead leaves.
