Q.Camellia Leaves Have Black Powdery Film
My well established camellia bush has developed a black powdery covering to its leaves. I can scrape the black off or brush it off, and underneath the leaves are dark green and glossy still. Can the plant still photosynthesize or will I have to clean off every leaf (it’s a large bush), and what is causing this?
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
This is sooty mold. It is a byproduct of a pest infestation, likely aphids or scale. This article will help you with getting rid of it: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/camellia/sooty-mold-on-camellia.htm Neem oil can help as well. In addition to treating whatever pests may be affecting the plant, it is also a good fungicide. Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/problems/pests/neem-oil-uses.htm