Holly (Ilex spp.) Thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 11, depending on species, and is a favored hedge, accent or display plant for landscapes. That beautiful holly you selected from the nursery may quickly adhere to transplant shock or some other number of fungal diseases. Discolored, brownish leaves are a frequent symptom of both.
Water Problems
The root of transplant shock could be numerous factors, but finding out exactly what it is will allow you to bring your holly back from the edge of death. Too much water may lead to brownish leaves, along with your holly may have a moist, weeping look. Too little water, on the other hand, will turn your leaves dry and brown. In some instances, too much water is the result of an improper planting hole; the water escapes also stays around the holly, which may lead to over-watering symptoms. This will also lead to root rots and other problems.
Root Problems
Improper management of the root ball in planting time may also lead to transplant shock. Container-grown hollies need their origins, loosened and relieved of just as much soil as possible before planting. Failure to do any of them can bring about the roots not being able to move in the soil or develop. The roots are responsible for taking up water and nutrients to the rest of the plant; the leaves are frequently the very first part of the plant to show symptoms.
Fungal Diseases
Common fungal diseases of holly that lead to brownish leaves or brownish spots on leaves include different species of Phytophthora, Cylindrocladium, Anthracnose and Rhizoctonia. Even though the symptoms of the disorders, for instance, brownish or browning leaves, are unsightly, holly is rarely severely damaged from fungal diseases. Holly frequently experiences breakouts of the fungal diseases in the nursery during prolonged wet, humid or muddy weather.
Management and Treatment
Treating transplant shock depends upon knowing which variable of the planting process created the damage. Should you think improper watering is the issue, adjust the watering schedule as needed. Should you guess that the transplant shock is caused by root damage or the planting hole, then replanting the holly in a proper place and hole may reverse the symptoms. For fungal diseases, choose a ready-to-spray fungicide and implement every 10 to 14 days as needed, or according to the product’s label as some fungicides may call for different program programs.