Marianne's Response

How do Treat Piper Negrum Leaf Fungus

Recently purchased two Piper Negrum plants. I transferred them to new, never used clay pots. Some lower leaves have this fungus looking deterioration on the leaves. The plants are showing new growth and seem ok but the fungus is spreading. I have removed numerous lower leaves that were showing signs of fungus but other leaves begin showing signs of fungus. I sprayed Neem oil but nothing seems to get rid of the fungus. What to do?

Posted by Richard Davis on September 27, 2022

Marianne's Response

I am not sure if the leaf damage is caused by a fungal infection. The damage is a bit too focused in one area and the shape is unusual for the common fungal infections. My guess is that too much sun combined with stress from the transplant has caused the lower or oldest leaves to decay. The clue is that this indoor plant looks like it is sitting outdoors and plants do not adjust quickly from the low light of indoors to outdoors in the summer. The Neem oil won't hurt and could be helping so continue to remove the infected leaves and water when soil feels dry and perhaps new growth will begin once the plant settles in to the new environment.  If I am wrong and the plant continues to decline after several weeks please send more images and perhaps I can help to discover the reason for this decline. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti