Hi- not sure where to post this, but I have a potted bay laurel on a balcony, with spotting on some of the leaves that I can't identify. I got this plant in the late spring, and transplanted it into a slightly-larger pot, using sterile soil and good drainage. After losing a few leaves (dry, brown, dropped off) on the central stem, it seems to be doing fine-- except for spots on some leaves, and some drying edges here and there. Pictures of a representative leaf are attached. I've erred on the side of keeping it slightly dry, rather than soggy, and it seems to be doing well -- but can anyone identify the spots? There's no sign of visible scale, webbing, or insects of any kind. Thanks for your thoughts and suggestions!
Well, if it helps, even my big bay laurel in the ground gets this. It's some kind of wind or sunburn thing, I think. Windburn is my guess -- apartment balconies are a lot windier than at ground level. Also keep an eye on the watering. Dryish is okay IF the plant is used to it, but if it was used to more water you have to keep doing it. Of course, with the up and down temps we've had this summer it's hard to judge. You can still use the leaves, BTW -- nothing wrong with them. best keke
Thanks- So far the plant is coping, even with the temperature swings this summer, but I do want to keep it alive! I was afraid this might be some kind of fungus or spores, like the ones that go after maples (name escapes me, but it's a nasty blight). I will have to start bringing the plant indoors as nights get cool, I guess, and will try to keep it on the dry side to avoid rot.
Don't bother bringing it inside until frost, and even then it can take a couple of degrees. Just shelter it from cold winds (a burlap windbreak that doesn't touch the plant is good) and you'll be fine. keke
