Even if the Skimmia is one of the resistant plants, it is not completely immune to diseases and pests. In most cases, however, this is only due to a maintenance error.
With the right location, good soil and a little care, the Skimmia, botanically Skimmia Japonica, is rarely susceptible to pests and plant diseases. However, of course it cannot be ruled out. For example, care errors can be the cause of changes in the plant. If you fix the mistakes quickly, you risk worse damage to the plant.
Otherwise, the plant can also be visited by lice. The same applies here: act quickly!
We would like to give you a brief overview of the typical changes in Skimmia and how you can treat them. You can also find out here what you can do if you have a lice infestation.
Avoid maintenance mistakes Plant diseases
Proper watering
The rue plant needs a soil that is as free of lime as possible and a semi-shady location. The root ball must never dry out completely, that would be the absolute death sentence for the Skimmie. Therefore, water regularly with rainwater. A layer of mulch protects the soil around the plant and retains water. Skimmia are not frost hardy and need to hibernate in a cool room - water less frequently during this phase, but don't stop completely.
Too much sun
If the plant is generally indoors, the humidity is important. Spray the leaves from time to time with lime-free water. If the skimmia develops yellow leaves and brown spots on the leaves or rolled-up leaf tips, then it is probably getting too much sun and not enough water. Be sure to change the location of the potted plant. In the house, it should not be placed directly on a south-facing window.
Yellow leaves that are dropped in autumn are harmless. The Skimmie is preparing for hibernation. It will sprout again next spring.
No red berries
In order for the red berries to appear after flowering, female Skimmia need a male partner who is inshould be planted in close proximity. An exception is the breed "Skimmia reevesiana". This is a monoecious hermaphrodite that is self-pollinating.
The fight against lice
From aphids to mealybugs and mealybugs: all aphids like the cell sap from the leaves. You can see the infestation on the underside of the leaf. There are tiny holes. In addition, the leaves are coated with a sticky substance. You'll also see the parasites themselves, settling on and under the leaves, in the leaf axils, and on the stems. Efficient help in the fight against lice are natural predators, such as ladybugs or lacewings.
» First Aid: Shower the plant with lukewarm water to wash off most of the lice. It also helps if you spray the Skimmia with a mixture of washing-up liquid or soft soap and water or with nettle broth. You should repeat the process until you no longer discover any lice.
Spider mites
Nettle broth also helps against spider mites. You can recognize the infestation by the leaves, which turn yellowish to silver-grey, gradually dry up and finally fall off. If you are not sure, spray the plant with water and a fine web will appear on the leaves. If spraying with nettle broth has no effect, chemical agents are the best choice.