Brassica oleracea Red Kale White Cottony Spots - Causes & Fixes

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Powdery Mildew

This fungal disease manifests as white, flour-like patches on the leaves of Red Kale, often spreading in humid conditions. It can inhibit photosynthesis and cause the red pigmentation to fade or the leaves to become distorted.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Inspect the undersides of the leaves for early signs of white mycelium before it covers the entire leaf surface.

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1 Apply an organic fungicide to the affected leaves to stop the spread of the fungal spores.

Bonide Captain Jack's Copper Fungicide 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$12

In Stock

2 Prune and dispose of heavily infected leaves to prevent the mildew from spreading to healthy parts of the plant.

3 Improve air circulation around your kale by spacing plants further apart and avoid overhead watering to keep foliage dry.

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Cottony Aphid Colonies

Certain aphid species or heavy infestations can produce white, waxy, or cottony secretions as they feed on the sap of Brassica leaves. This often results in leaf curling and sticky honeydew residue.

Common

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How to confirm: Check the undersides of the stems and new growth for tiny, moving insects trapped in white webbing.

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shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Apply an organic insecticide spray to eliminate the aphid colonies and disrupt their life cycle.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

2 Prune and dispose of heavily infested or curling leaves to prevent the spread of the colony to healthy parts of the plant.

3 Monitor the plant regularly using a moisture meter to ensure the plant remains hydrated, as aphid feeding can stress the plant's water uptake.

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter - Blue

Water Meters

$12

In Stock

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Sclerotinia (White Mold)

A soil-borne fungal pathogen that produces a dense, white, cottony mass of mycelium, typically starting at the base of the kale stem or on decaying organic matter near the plant.

Common

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How to confirm: Check the crown and base of the Red Kale for any signs of softening or gray/white fuzzy growth.

build How to fix it

shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Immediately remove and destroy all infected plant material and decaying organic matter near the base of the kale to prevent the fungus from spreading.

2 Apply an organic fungicide to the affected area to control the fungal growth and protect healthy tissue.

Bonide Captain Jack's Copper Fungicide 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$12

In Stock

3 Improve air circulation around the kale and ensure the soil is not overly saturated to create an environment less hospitable to white mold.