My magnolia has silvery spots on the lower leaves. What is the cause, and how do I treat the problem?
A silvery tinge to the leaves and a few bright lights might make this tree a great holiday decoration for your yard. Even if you are not interested in this festive idea, you will be happy to learn this is a minor blemish called algal leaf spot; typically, it is ignored. You could break out a copper fungicide, available from your garden center, to help contain the spotting, but the tree won’t mind no matter what you do. The silvery spots are formed by a plant growing on the surface of the leaves that takes advantage of the available light and moisture. Most magnolia leaves drop naturally during spring and, with them, the algal leaf spots causing the concern. Don’t worry. Your tree gets new blemishfree leaves at this time too.
