What are Cankers on Plants?
Cankers are a type of plant disease that can cause significant damage to your indoor plants. They appear as lesions or wounds on the stems or branches of the plant, and can be caused by a variety of factors, including fungal, bacterial, or viral infections. Cankers can be a frustrating and disheartening problem for plant enthusiasts, but with the right knowledge and treatment, it is possible to prevent and manage canker outbreaks.
Table of Contents
Causes of Cankers on Plants
Cankers can be caused by a range of factors, including:
Fungal infections: Fungi such as Botryosphaeria and Phomopsis can cause cankers on plants. These fungi typically enter the plant through wounds or natural openings, and can spread quickly if left untreated.
Bacterial infections: Bacteria such as Pseudomonas and Xanthomonas can also cause cankers on plants. These bacteria can enter the plant through wounds or natural openings, and can cause significant damage if left untreated.
Viral infections: Viruses such as Tobacco mosaic virus and Tomato spotted wilt virus can cause cankers on plants. These viruses can be spread through contact with infected plants, or through vectors such as aphids and whiteflies.
Physical damage: Physical damage to the plant, such as cuts or bruises, can provide an entry point for fungal, bacterial, or viral infections, leading to canker development.
Nutrient deficiencies: Nutrient deficiencies, particularly a lack of calcium, can make plants more susceptible to canker development.
Symptoms of Cankers on Plants
The symptoms of cankers on plants can vary depending on the underlying cause, but may include:
Lesions or wounds on the stems or branches of the plant
Dieback of leaves or stems
Discoloration of the affected area, which may turn brown, black, or gray
Cracking or splitting of the bark
Exudation of sap or resin from the affected area
Fungal growth or spores on the surface of the plant
How to Diagnose Cankers on Plants
Diagnosing cankers on plants can be a challenging task, as the symptoms can be similar to those of other plant diseases. However, there are a few key steps you can take to diagnose cankers:
Examine the plant carefully: Look for any signs of lesions, wounds, or discoloration on the stems or branches of the plant.
Check for fungal growth: Look for any signs of fungal growth, such as white, cottony patches or black, powdery spores.
Take a sample: Take a sample of the affected tissue and examine it under a microscope to look for signs of fungal, bacterial, or viral infection.
Consult a professional: If you're unsure of the diagnosis, consult a professional nursery or gardening expert for further guidance.
How to Treat Cankers on Plants
Treating cankers on plants requires a combination of good sanitation, pruning, and fungicide or bactericide applications. Here are some steps you can take to treat cankers:
Remove affected tissue: Use sterile pruning tools to remove any affected tissue, making sure to disinfect the tools between cuts.
Apply fungicide or bactericide: Apply a fungicide or bactericide to the affected area, following the instructions on the label carefully.
Improve air circulation: Improve air circulation around the plant to reduce the risk of further infection.
Improve plant nutrition: Ensure the plant is receiving adequate nutrients, particularly calcium, to help it recover from the infection.
Monitor for pests: Monitor the plant for signs of pests, such as aphids or whiteflies, which can spread viral infections.
How to Prevent Cankers on Plants
Preventing cankers on plants is always better than trying to treat them after they've developed. Here are some steps you can take to prevent cankers:
Use good sanitation: Use good sanitation practices, such as disinfecting pruning tools and washing your hands before handling plants.
Provide good air circulation: Provide good air circulation around the plant to reduce the risk of fungal and bacterial infections.
Water carefully: Water the plant carefully, avoiding overhead watering which can splash water onto the leaves and stems.
Monitor for pests: Monitor the plant for signs of pests, such as aphids or whiteflies, which can spread viral infections.
Use disease-resistant varieties: Use disease-resistant varieties of plants, which can be more resistant to canker development.
Common Plants Affected by Cankers
Cankers can affect a wide range of plants, including:
Roses
Fruit trees, such as apple and cherry
Ornamental trees, such as oak and maple
Shrubs, such as lilac and forsythia
Herbs, such as rosemary and thyme
Vegetables, such as tomatoes and peppers
Cankers can be a significant problem for indoor plant enthusiasts, but with the right knowledge and treatment, it is possible to prevent and manage canker outbreaks. By understanding the causes and symptoms of cankers, and taking steps to diagnose and treat them, you can help keep your plants healthy and thriving. Remember to practice good sanitation, provide good air circulation, and monitor for pests to prevent cankers from developing in the first place. With a little care and attention, you can enjoy beautiful, healthy plants for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are cankers on a plant?
Cankers on a plant are areas of dead tissue that can occur on the stems, branches, or trunks of a plant. They are usually caused by fungal or bacterial infections, and can be identified by their sunken, discolored, and often cracked appearance.
What causes cankers on indoor plants?
Cankers on indoor plants can be caused by a variety of factors, including overwatering, underwatering, poor air circulation, and fungal or bacterial infections. They can also be caused by physical damage to the plant, such as cuts or bruises.
How do I identify cankers on my indoor plant?
To identify cankers on your indoor plant, look for areas of dead tissue on the stems, branches, or trunks. Cankers may appear as sunken, discolored, and often cracked areas, and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as yellowing or dropping leaves.
What are the symptoms of cankers on indoor plants?
The symptoms of cankers on indoor plants can vary depending on the underlying cause, but may include yellowing or dropping leaves, black or brown spots on the stems or branches, and a general decline in plant health.
How do I treat cankers on my indoor plant?
Treating cankers on your indoor plant will depend on the underlying cause. If the canker is caused by a fungal or bacterial infection, you may need to use a fungicide or bactericide to treat the plant. If the canker is caused by physical damage, you may need to prune the affected area to prevent the spread of disease.
Can cankers be prevented on indoor plants?
Yes, cankers can be prevented on indoor plants by providing good care and maintenance. This includes watering correctly, providing good air circulation, and avoiding physical damage to the plant.
How do I prune cankers from my indoor plant?
To prune cankers from your indoor plant, use sterile pruning tools to remove the affected area. Make sure to disinfect your tools between cuts to prevent the spread of disease.
What are the consequences of not treating cankers on my indoor plant?
If left untreated, cankers can spread to other parts of the plant, causing further damage and potentially killing the plant.
Can cankers be spread from plant to plant?
Yes, cankers can be spread from plant to plant through contact with infected soil, water, or pruning tools.
How do I disinfect my pruning tools?
To disinfect your pruning tools, soak them in a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water for 10-15 minutes. Then, rinse the tools with clean water and dry them thoroughly.
What are some common types of cankers that affect indoor plants?
Some common types of cankers that affect indoor plants include fungal cankers, bacterial cankers, and physical cankers caused by damage or injury.
How do I know if my indoor plant has a fungal canker?
If your indoor plant has a fungal canker, you may notice symptoms such as black or brown spots on the stems or branches, and a general decline in plant health.
How do I treat a fungal canker on my indoor plant?
Treating a fungal canker on your indoor plant will depend on the severity of the infection. In mild cases, you may be able to treat the plant with a fungicide. In more severe cases, you may need to prune the affected area to prevent the spread of disease.
How do I know if my indoor plant has a bacterial canker?
If your indoor plant has a bacterial canker, you may notice symptoms such as yellowing or dropping leaves, and a general decline in plant health.
How do I treat a bacterial canker on my indoor plant?
Treating a bacterial canker on your indoor plant will depend on the severity of the infection. In mild cases, you may be able to treat the plant with a bactericide. In more severe cases, you may need to prune the affected area to prevent the spread of disease.
Can cankers be caused by pests?
Yes, cankers can be caused by pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. These pests can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to disease.
How do I prevent pests from causing cankers on my indoor plant?
To prevent pests from causing cankers on your indoor plant, make sure to inspect your plant regularly for signs of pests, and take action quickly if you notice any problems.
What are some common mistakes people make when treating cankers on indoor plants?
Some common mistakes people make when treating cankers on indoor plants include not pruning the affected area correctly, not disinfecting pruning tools, and not treating the underlying cause of the canker.
How do I know if my indoor plant is beyond saving?
If your indoor plant is beyond saving, you may notice symptoms such as widespread decay, a strong unpleasant odor, and a general decline in plant health.
What should I do if my indoor plant is beyond saving?
If your indoor plant is beyond saving, it's best to dispose of the plant to prevent the spread of disease to other plants.
Can cankers be prevented on new indoor plants?
Yes, cankers can be prevented on new indoor plants by providing good care and maintenance from the start. This includes watering correctly, providing good air circulation, and avoiding physical damage to the plant.
How do I care for my indoor plant after treating cankers?
After treating cankers on your indoor plant, make sure to provide good care and maintenance to prevent the problem from recurring. This includes watering correctly, providing good air circulation, and avoiding physical damage to the plant.
What are some common indoor plants that are prone to cankers?
Some common indoor plants that are prone to cankers include ficus, dracaena, and philodendron.
How do I prevent cankers on these plants?
To prevent cankers on these plants, make sure to provide good care and maintenance, including watering correctly, providing good air circulation, and avoiding physical damage to the plant.
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.