What Are Cankers On Plants?
Cankers are a type of plant disease that can cause significant damage to your indoor plants. They appear as sunken, discolored areas on the stems or branches of the plant, often accompanied by cracks or splits in the bark. Cankers can be caused by a variety of factors, including fungal infections, bacterial diseases, and physical damage to the plant. If left untreated, cankers can spread and eventually kill the plant.
Table of Contents
Causes Of Cankers On Plants
There are several reasons why cankers may develop on your indoor plants. Some of the most common causes include:
Fungal infections: Fungi such as Botryosphaeria and Fusarium can infect plants and cause cankers to form. These fungi often enter the plant through wounds or natural openings.
Bacterial diseases: Bacteria like Pseudomonas and Xanthomonas can also cause cankers on plants. These bacteria can enter the plant through wounds or natural openings, and can spread quickly if not treated.
Physical damage: Physical damage to the plant, such as cuts or scratches, can create an entry point for disease-causing organisms. This can lead to the development of cankers.
Environmental factors: Environmental factors like excessive moisture, poor air circulation, and extreme temperatures can also contribute to the development of cankers.
How To Identify Cankers On Plants
Identifying cankers on plants can be a challenge, especially in the early stages. However, there are some common signs and symptoms to look out for:
Discolored areas: Cankers often appear as discolored areas on the stems or branches of the plant. These areas may be sunken or raised, and may be accompanied by cracks or splits in the bark.
Cracks or splits: Cracks or splits in the bark of the plant can be a sign of canker disease. These cracks may be accompanied by a sticky or gummy substance.
Dieback: Dieback is a common symptom of canker disease. This is where the plant's leaves or stems begin to wilt and die.
How To Prevent Cankers On Plants
Preventing cankers on plants is often easier than treating them. Here are some tips to help prevent cankers from developing:
Provide good air circulation: Good air circulation can help prevent the spread of disease-causing organisms.
Water carefully: Avoid overwatering, as this can create an environment that is conducive to disease.
Prune carefully: Prune your plants carefully to avoid creating wounds that can provide an entry point for disease-causing organisms.
Monitor for pests: Monitor your plants regularly for signs of pests, such as aphids or whiteflies, which can spread disease.
How To Treat Cankers On Plants
Treating cankers on plants requires a combination of good cultural practices and targeted treatments. Here are some steps you can take:
Remove affected areas: Remove any affected areas of the plant, making sure to disinfect your pruning tools between cuts.
Improve air circulation: Improve air circulation around the plant to help prevent the spread of disease.
Adjust watering: Adjust your watering schedule to ensure the plant is not too wet or dry.
Apply fungicides: Apply fungicides specifically designed to treat canker diseases. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully to avoid harming the plant.
Natural Remedies For Cankers On Plants
In addition to targeted treatments, there are several natural remedies you can try to help treat cankers on plants:
Copper-based products: Copper-based products, such as copper sulfate, have been shown to be effective against fungal diseases like canker.
Baking soda: Baking soda can help raise the pH of the plant's tissues, making it more difficult for fungal diseases to take hold.
Neem oil: Neem oil has been shown to have antifungal properties, making it a useful natural remedy for treating cankers.
When To Seek Professional Help
If you're not sure how to treat cankers on your plants, or if the problem persists despite your best efforts, it may be time to seek professional help. A qualified horticulturist or gardening expert can provide you with personalized advice and guidance to help you treat the problem.
Cankers on plants can be a serious problem, but with the right knowledge and techniques, you can prevent and treat them effectively. By understanding the causes of cankers, identifying the signs and symptoms, and taking steps to prevent and treat the problem, you can help keep your indoor plants healthy and thriving.
Remember, prevention is key. By providing good air circulation, watering carefully, and pruning carefully, you can help prevent cankers from developing in the first place. And if you do encounter a problem, don't hesitate to seek professional help. With the right care and attention, your indoor plants can thrive and bring joy and beauty to your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are cankers on a plant?
Cankers on a plant are areas of dead tissue that can appear on the stems, branches, or roots of a plant. They are usually caused by fungal or bacterial infections, and can be a serious problem if left untreated.
What are the common causes of cankers on plants?
Cankers on plants can be caused by a variety of factors, including fungal infections, bacterial infections, physical damage, insect infestations, and environmental stressors such as drought or extreme temperatures.
How do I identify cankers on my plant?
Identifying cankers on your plant can be done by looking for areas of dead or discolored tissue on the stems, branches, or roots. Cankers may appear as sunken, discolored, or cracked areas, and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as yellowing or dropping leaves.
Can cankers on plants be contagious?
Yes, cankers on plants can be contagious and can spread to other plants through contact with infected soil, water, or pruning tools. It's important to take precautions when handling infected plants to prevent the spread of the disease.
How do I treat cankers on my plant?
Treating cankers on your plant involves removing the infected tissue, improving air circulation and drainage, and applying fungicides or bactericides as needed. It's also important to improve the overall health of the plant through proper watering, fertilization, and pruning.
Can I use antibiotics to treat cankers on my plant?
No, antibiotics are not effective against fungal or bacterial infections in plants. Instead, fungicides or bactericides specifically designed for plants should be used to treat cankers.
How do I prevent cankers on my plant?
Preventing cankers on your plant involves providing good air circulation, improving drainage, avoiding overwatering, and maintaining good sanitation practices such as disinfecting pruning tools and removing infected tissue.
Can cankers on plants be cured?
In some cases, cankers on plants can be cured if caught early and treated promptly. However, if the infection has spread extensively, it may not be possible to cure the plant and it may need to be removed to prevent the spread of the disease.
How long does it take to treat cankers on a plant?
The length of time it takes to treat cankers on a plant can vary depending on the severity of the infection and the effectiveness of the treatment. In some cases, treatment may take several weeks or even months.
Can I prune cankers off my plant?
Yes, pruning cankers off your plant can be an effective way to remove infected tissue and prevent the spread of the disease. However, it's important to disinfect your pruning tools between cuts to prevent the spread of the infection.
How do I disinfect my pruning tools?
Disinfecting your pruning tools can be done by soaking them in a solution of bleach and water, or by using a disinfectant specifically designed for gardening tools.
Can cankers on plants affect the soil?
Yes, cankers on plants can affect the soil by introducing fungal or bacterial pathogens that can infect other plants. It's important to remove and dispose of infected soil to prevent the spread of the disease.
How do I remove infected soil?
Removing infected soil involves carefully digging up the affected area, removing as much of the infected soil as possible, and disposing of it in a sealed bag or container.
Can I reuse potting soil that has been infected with cankers?
No, it's not recommended to reuse potting soil that has been infected with cankers. Instead, dispose of the infected soil and start with fresh, sterilized potting soil.
How do I sterilize potting soil?
Sterilizing potting soil can be done by baking it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 30 minutes, or by using a soil sterilizer specifically designed for gardening.
Can cankers on plants affect the roots?
Yes, cankers on plants can affect the roots by causing them to rot and die. This can lead to a decline in the overall health of the plant and may eventually kill it.
How do I treat root cankers?
Treating root cankers involves removing the infected roots, improving drainage, and applying fungicides or bactericides as needed. It's also important to improve the overall health of the plant through proper watering, fertilization, and pruning.
Can I propagate a plant with cankers?
No, it's not recommended to propagate a plant with cankers as this can spread the disease to other plants. Instead, propagate healthy plants to prevent the spread of the disease.
How do I prevent the spread of cankers in a greenhouse?
Preventing the spread of cankers in a greenhouse involves maintaining good sanitation practices, providing good air circulation, and isolating infected plants to prevent the spread of the disease.
Can cankers on plants be prevented with fungicides?
Fungicides can be used to prevent cankers on plants, but they should be used in conjunction with good sanitation practices and proper plant care. It's also important to choose a fungicide specifically designed for the type of plant and disease you are dealing with.
How do I choose a fungicide for cankers on my plant?
Choosing a fungicide for cankers on your plant involves selecting a product specifically designed for the type of plant and disease you are dealing with. Always follow the instructions on the label and take necessary safety precautions when using fungicides.
Can cankers on plants be caused by insects?
Yes, cankers on plants can be caused by insects such as borers or sap-sucking insects that introduce fungal or bacterial pathogens into the plant.
How do I control insects that cause cankers on my plant?
Controlling insects that cause cankers on your plant involves using insecticides specifically designed for the type of insect you are dealing with. It's also important to maintain good sanitation practices and remove any infested or infected plants to prevent the spread of the disease.
Can cankers on plants be caused by environmental stressors?
Yes, cankers on plants can be caused by environmental stressors such as drought, extreme temperatures, or poor air circulation. These stressors can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to disease.
How do I prevent environmental stressors from causing cankers on my plant?
Preventing environmental stressors from causing cankers on your plant involves providing good air circulation, maintaining consistent watering and fertilization, and protecting the plant from extreme temperatures and other environmental stressors.
Indoor Plant Care A-Z
Adiantum Fragrans
Aechmea Blue Rain
Aechmea Fasciata
Aeschynanthus Marmoratus
Aeschynanthus Radicans Gesneriad
African Mask
African Spear
African Violet
Air Plant
Alocasia Amazonica
Alocasia Araceae
Aloe
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera Barbadensis
Angel Wings Cactus
Anthurium Andraeanum
Anthurium Crystallinum
Arabian Coffee
Areca Palm
Aroid Palm
Arrowhead Ivy
Arum Lily
Asparagus Densiflorus 'Sprengeri'
Asparagus fern
Asparagus Setaceus
Aspidistra Elatior
Asplenium Antiquum
Asplenium Nidus
Athyrium Filix-Femina
Austrailian Ivy Tree
Austrocephalocereus Dybowskii
Austrocylindropuntia subulata
Azalea Plant
Baby Doll Ti
Baby Rose
Baby Tears
Baby Toes
Baby's Tears
Bamboo Palm
Banana Palm
Banana Plant
Banana Tree
Barbados Aloe
Begoniaceae Maculata
Bengal Fig
Benjamin Tree
Benjamin's Fig
Beringin
Bilbo Cactus
Bird Of Paradise
Bird's Nest Fern
Bird's Tongue Flower
Birds Nest Fern
Blue Pothos
Blue Rain Bromeliad
Blue Rain Plant
Blue Sansevieria
Blue Torch Cactus
Bonsai Ficus
Boston Fern
Boston Fern
Boy Flower
Brighamia insignis
Bromeliad
Buddha's Hand
Bunny Cactus
Burrageara Orchid X Oncidium
Burro's Tail
Butterfly Palm
Cabbage on a Stick
Cabeça-branca
Cactus
Caladium Lindenii
Caladium Magnificum
Calathea
Calathea Marantaceae
Calla Lily
Cambria
Cambria Orchid
Canna Leaved Strelitzia
Cape Jasmine
Cape Primrose
Cast Iron Plant
Cathedral Cactus
Cathedral Plant
Cereus Peruvianus
Ceropegia Woodii
Ceropegia Woodii 'Marlies'
Chain of Hearts
Chain of Pearls
Chamaedorea Elegans
Chinese Ape
Chinese Money Plant
Chinese PLant
Chinese Taro
Chlorophytum Comosum
Christmas Cactus
Christmas Kalanchoe
Cladophora
Cladophora Ball
Climbing Asparagus
Codiaeum Variegatum Var. Pictum
Coffea Rubiaceae Arabica
Coffee Bean
Coffee Plant
Common Purslane
Common Yucca
Cordyline Fruticosa
Corn Plant
Crab Cactus
Crane Flower
Crassula Arborescens
Crassula Hobbit
Crassula Ovata
Croton
Crystal Anthurium
Ctenanthe
Ctenanthe Pilosa Golden Mosaic
Curly Locks Cactus
Curtain Fig
Cycas Revoluta
Cylindrical Snake Plant
Date Palm
Day Flower
Delicious Monster
Devil's Ivy
Devil's Tongue
Devils Backbone
Dieffenbachia Araceae
Donkey's Tail
Dracaena
Dracaena Fragrans
Dracaena Fragrans Golden Coast
Dracaena Fragrans Janet Craig
Dracaena Fragrans Steudneri
Dracaena Magenta
Dracaena Marginata
Dracaena Sanderiana
Dragon Plant
Dragon Scale Alocasia
Dragon Tree
Dumb Cane
Dwarf Arrowhead Vine
Dypsis Lutescens Chrysalidocarpus
Easter Cactus
Elephant Bush
Elephant Ear
Elephant Yucca
Emerald Palm
English Ivy
Entangled Hearts
Epiphyllum Anguliger
Epiphyllum guatemalensis
Epipremnum Aureum
Epipremnum Aureum Neon
Epipremnum Pinnatum
Epipremnum Pinnatum Aureum
Eternity Plant
Euphorbia Enopla
Euphorbia Trigona
Euphorbia Trigona Rubra
Eves Pin Cactus
False African Violet
False Shamrock
Ficus Benghalensis 'Audrey'
Ficus Benjamina
Ficus Elastica
Ficus Elastica 'Ruby'
Ficus Ginseng
Ficus Microcarpa
Fiddle Leaf Fig
First Aid Plant
Fishbone Cactus
Five Holes Plant
Flaming Katy
Flaming Sword
Flamingo Flower
Flamingo Lily
Flamingo Plant
Florist Kalanchoe
Flowering Cactus
Freckle Face
Freckle Plant
French Peanut
Friendship Plant
Garden Ivy
Garden Rose
Gardenia Jasminoides
Giant Bird Of Paradise
Golden Cane
Golden Neon Pothos
Golden Pothos
Goldfish Plant
Guiana Chestnut
Guzmania
Guzmania Bromeliaceae
Happy Leaf Pothos
Hardy Elephant's Ear
Hardy Elephant's Ear
Hawaiian Ti Plant
Haworthia
Haworthia Rafiki
Heart Leaf
Hedera Helix
Hedera Helix Variagata
Hedera Hibernica
Heptapleurum Actinopyllum
Hobbit Jade
Horrida Plant
Horse's Tail
House Plant Cuttings For Propagation
Hoya Carnosa
Hurricane Plant
Hylotelephium Sieboldii
Hypoestes Phyllostachya
Inch Plant
Irish Ivy
Jade Plant
Jade Plant
Java Fig
Java Tree
Java Willow
Jelly Bean Plant
Jungle Boogie
Jungle Bush
Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana
Kalanchoe Delagoensis x Daigremontiana
Kleinia stapeliiformis
Korean Rock Fern
Lace Fern
Laceleaf
Lady Fern
Lake Ball
Lamb's Tail
Lemon Geranium
Leopard Lily
Lipstick Plant
Little Hogweed
Love Plant
Lucky Bamboo
Madagascar Jasmine
Maidenhair Fern
Malabar Chestnut
Malayan Banyan
Maranta Kerchoveana
Maranta Leuconeura
Maranta Marisela
Mason Congo Sansevieria
Measles Plant
Medicinal Aloe
Medicine Plant
Mexican Breadfruit
Milk Barrel Cactus
Miltonia Orchid
Ming Aralia
Mini Philo
Mini Swiss Cheese Vine
Missionary Plant
Mistletoe Cactus
Money Plant
Money Tree
Monkey Jars
Monstera
Monstera Adansonii
Monstera Deliciosa
Monstera Minima
Moss Ball
Moss Rose
Moth Orchid
Mother In Law's Tongue
Mother Of Thousands
Musa
Musa Basjoo Tropicana
N'Joy Pothos
Nemantanthus Gregarius
Nematanthus gregarious
Neon Devil's Ivy
Neon Pothos
Nepenthes Alata
Nephrolepis Exaltata
Never Never Plant
Night Blooming Cactus
Octopus Tree
Odontoglossum Orchid
Oilcloth Flower
Old Man Cactus
Oncidium Orchid
Opuntia Microdaisy Albata
Orchidaceae Phalaenopsis
Oxalis Triangularis
Pachira Aquatica
Pancake Plant
Pansy Orchid
Parasol Plant
Parlor Palm
Parlour Palm
Pass-it-along Plant
Passiflora Caerulea
Passionflower
Patio Rose
Peace Lily
Peace Lily
Peacock Plant
Pearl and Star Plant
Pelargonium Zonal
Peperomia Deppeana × Quadrifolia | Peperomia Tetraphylla
Peperomia Polybotrya
Peperomia Prostrata
Peruvian Apple Cactus
Philodendron
Philodendron 'Monkey Mask'
Philodendron Hederaceum
Philodendron Minima
Philodendron Scandens
Phoenix Canariensis
Pickle Cactus
Pickle Plant
Pilea Depressa
Pilea Mollis
Pilea Peperomoides
Pilocereus Azureus
Pincushion Euphorbia
Pink Jelly Beans
Pink Pork and Beans
Pink Splash
Pink Violet
Pitcher Plant
Polka Dot Begonia
Polka Dot Plant
Polyscias Fruticosa
Polystichum Tsussimense
Portulaca Umbraticolata
Portulacaria Afra Mediopicta
Pot Belly Fig
Pothos
Prayer Plant
Provision Tree
Purple Rain Plant
Purple Shamrock
Purple Wood Sorrel
Rabbit Ears Cactus
Rabbit's Foot
Rabbit's Tracks
Radiator Plant
Raindrop Money Plant
Raindrop Pilea
Rattlesnake Plant
Red Rhipsalis Cactus
Red Rubber Plant
Rhapidophora Tetrasperma
Rhipsalis
Rhipsalis Agudoensis
Rhipsalis Agudoensis
Rhipsalis Heteroclada
Rhipsalis Horrida
Rhipsalis Occidentalis
Rhododendron Inga
Ric Rac Orchid Cactus
Ric-Rac Cactus
Rosa
Rosary Plant
Rosary Vine
Rough Fern
Rubber Plant
Saba Nut
Sago Palm
Saint Barbara's Sword
Saint Paulia
Saint Paulia
Sansevieria Ehrenbergii
Sansevieria Trifascia
Sansevieria Trifasciata
Sarracenia
Satin Pothos
Savannah Geranium
Schefflera Arboricola
Schlumbergera Bridgesii
Scindapsus Pictum Argyraeus
Scindapsus Pictus
Sedum Morganianum
Sedum Rubrotinctum Variegata
Senecio
Senecio Herrianus
Senecio Rowleyanus
Senecio Stapeliiformis
Shark Fin Plant
Shark's Tooth Philodendron
Silver Dollar Plant
Silver Jade Plant
Silver Pothos
Silver Vase
Small-Leaved Fig
Small-Leaved Rubber Plant
Snake Plant
Snake Plant
Snake Tongue
Spanish Moss
Spathiphyllum
Spathiphyllum wallisii
Spear Sansevieria
Spider Plant
Spider Plant
Spiderwort
Spineless Yucca
Split-leaf Philodendron
Spotted Begonia
Star Plant
Stephanotis Floribunda
Stick Yucca
Stranging Fig
Strelitzia Alba
Strelitzia Nicolai
Strelitzia Reginae
Streptocarpus Saxorum
String of Beads
String of Hearts
String of Pearls
String of Tears
String of Turtles
Strings
Surprise Miltoniopsis
Sweetheart Plant
Sweetheart Plant Brazil
Swiss Cheese Plant
Swiss Cheese Vine
Sword Fern
Syngonium Erythrophyllum
Syngonium Nephphytis
Tailflower
Tears Pilea
Thanksgiving Cactus
Ti Leaf
Tiger Tooth Philodendron
Tillandsia
Tillandsia Ionantha
Tradescantia Albiflora
Tradescantia Commelinaceae Multiflora
Trailing Jade
Tropical Laurel
Tropicana Palm
Trout Begonia
True Aloe
Trumpet Lily
Trumpet Pitcher Plant
Trumpet Plant
Turtle Strings
UFO Plant
Umbrella Tree
Urn Plant
Variegated Chain of Hearts
Variegated Entangled Hearts
Variegated Laurel
Variegated Rosary Plant
Variegated Rosary Vine
Variegated Rubber Plant
Variegated String of Hearts
Vriesea splendens
Vuylstekeara Orchid
Wandering Dude
Wandering Jew
Wax Plant
Weeping Fig
Weeping Laurel
Whale Fin Plant
White Bird Of Paradise
White Crane Flower
White Flowered Wild Banana
Wild Banana
Wild Cape Banana
Yellow Palm
Yucca Elephantipes
Zamioculcas Zamiifolia
Zantedeschia
Zanzibar Gem
Zebra Basket Vine
Zebra Cactus
Zebra Lipstick Plant
Zebra Plant
Zebrina Pendula
Zigzag Cactus
Zuzu Plant
ZZ Plant
ZZ Plant
Harley Jennings
Harley Jennings is a renowned indoor plant expert with over 15 years of hands-on experience working with some of the UK's top botany and garden centers. Harley's passion for indoor plants blossomed early in his career, leading him to become a trusted authority in the field. He has spent years nurturing plants, researching the best care practices, and sharing his extensive knowledge with fellow plant enthusiasts.
Harley is the author of the comprehensive guide "The Complete Guide to Indoor Plant Care," where he combines his wealth of experience with a deep love for greenery. This guide provides readers with everything they need to know about indoor plants, from selection and placement to watering, feeding, and troubleshooting common issues.
In addition to his writing, Harley plays a pivotal role in the development of the Botanic Beam app, a revolutionary tool that offers plant lovers a wealth of information in one convenient place. The app simplifies plant care, providing tailored advice, reminders, and expert tips to help users create thriving indoor gardens.
Outside of his professional life, Harley enjoys urban beekeeping, finding a unique connection between nurturing plants and supporting local ecosystems. His relatable, down-to-earth approach makes him a favorite among both novice and experienced indoor gardeners. Whether through his guide or the Botanic Beam app, Harley Jennings continues to inspire and educate, helping people transform their homes into green sanctuaries.