Red leaves of blueberrycan be a sign of disease, result from mistakes we make in our care or mean natural processes that take place in blueberries. So when should the red leaves of the American blueberry concern us? Here are the 4 most common causeswhy blueberry leaves turn redand practical tips on how to deal with them.
Blueberry red leaves
Blueberry leaves are red due to poor fertilization
American blueberry is a plant with high requirements as to soil and fertilizationFor this reason, blueberries are often characterized by symptoms of nutrient deficiency, resulting from errors in fertilization. First of all, blueberries require the regular use of fertilizers that acidify the substrate, such as ammonium sulphate or specialized acidifying fertilizers for blueberries.
On acidic soils, phosphorus digestibility is reduced. Therefore, blueberries may be deficient in this nutrient. Phosphorus corresponds, inter alia, to for the development of the root system, and when there is not enough of it,blueberry grows poorly and its leaves are characteristically red
Phosphorus deficiencies in blueberries can be supplemented with phosphorus fertilizerse.g. superphosphate or natural fertilizers such as compost or manure, rich in phosphorus. Phosphorus in the form of well absorbed by plants contains a specialized phosphorus fertilizer Microstar PZ.
Blueberry leaves are red due to fungal disease
Red leaves of blueberries may indicate a fungal diseaseThese symptoms indicate the presence of root rot. Infested bushes grow poorly,leaves are small and red discoloredAfter the root collar is exposed, rotting of the tissue is visible. Roots are few and die.
We will not find a suitable plant protection product for blueberry root rot. Therefore, a properly selected position in blueberry cultivation is very important. Blueberry prefers a sunny position, acid soil with high humus content. You should also select he althy seedlings from certified nurseries for planting andavoid planting blueberries too deepPlant the blueberry at the same depth as it was growing in the pot.
After planting the blueberries, it is worth sprinkling the shrub with pine bark. However, let's avoid too much bark. Ideally, the litter should be about 4 cm thick.
The plant can be protected against fungal diseases of soil origin by watering with the biological preparation Polyversum WP. It eliminates some fungi that attack blueberry roots, including prevents phytophthora.
Blueberry leaves are red due to viral disease
The red leaves of the American blueberry may indicate the presence of a viral disease . Unfortunately, we cannot cure viral diseases, which makes them extremely dangerous. After noticing disturbing symptoms and identifying the disease, the blueberries should be removed.
Ifred ring-shaped spots appear on the upper side of blueberry leavesthey may be a sign of a red ring spot. On the other hand,red leaves of blueberries, which are additionally small and deformed , resembling willow leaves in shape, may be a symptom of blueberry threadiness.
Viral diseases are transmitted by aphids. That is why it is worth observing the bushes and fighting them immediately after the appearance of pests.
Blueberry leaves turn red because autumn has come
In autumn, when the temperature drops below 0 ° C, blueberry leaves start to change color. Red leaves of the American blueberry in the fall are a normal phenomenon , which should not worry us. Blueberry leaves change color, but the bush itself does not show any disturbing symptoms, and the phenomenon occurs naturally. New leaves appearing in the spring should be green again.
MSc Eng. Joanna Białowąs
