Azalea leaves turning brown/black
Hi to all again
My Azalea plant has flowered again as normal, but plant leaves are almost all covered in brownish, blackish spots. I'm not sure if this leaf problem has been there for some time, but do know that I did replace a few inches of compost (ericaceous mix used) in this pot, about 3 weeks ago. Looks that bad that I think I would have spotted it then. This is my only surviving Azalea, and has always been in a pot, different pots, over the 3 years or so since bought. Its obviously the evergreen variety, and according to the label, should grow eventually to about 1 metre tall, similar spread.
Have to say that growth has been extremely slow, but it does flower well. Its situated in an afternoon sun position, but spend most time in shade or semi shade
Here are a few images taken of the plant




The dilemma is what to do with it now.
Should I wait until end of flowering, and then prune it hard, even if that means no display next year. Or perhaps get rid of it
Also concerned that whatever the problem is, that it may transfer to my other plants, most of which are also in pots. The fact that it has not grown that well since I purchased it, kind of makes me want to get rid of it, but would still like to know for sure, what the problem is, and even if I cant save it, learn from it
Thanks in advance for any info
My Azalea plant has flowered again as normal, but plant leaves are almost all covered in brownish, blackish spots. I'm not sure if this leaf problem has been there for some time, but do know that I did replace a few inches of compost (ericaceous mix used) in this pot, about 3 weeks ago. Looks that bad that I think I would have spotted it then. This is my only surviving Azalea, and has always been in a pot, different pots, over the 3 years or so since bought. Its obviously the evergreen variety, and according to the label, should grow eventually to about 1 metre tall, similar spread.
Have to say that growth has been extremely slow, but it does flower well. Its situated in an afternoon sun position, but spend most time in shade or semi shade
Here are a few images taken of the plant




The dilemma is what to do with it now.
Should I wait until end of flowering, and then prune it hard, even if that means no display next year. Or perhaps get rid of it
Also concerned that whatever the problem is, that it may transfer to my other plants, most of which are also in pots. The fact that it has not grown that well since I purchased it, kind of makes me want to get rid of it, but would still like to know for sure, what the problem is, and even if I cant save it, learn from it
Thanks in advance for any info
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They are prone to this type of infection because their leaf coverage and branching is very compacted and leaves little room for air flow and water droplets collects over the leaves and slightly under them spread it about.
It's generally tolerated, and if you lightly prune out some parts to allow more air flow, that might help. Water from below in the summer time and keep the watering consistent so it grows stronger.
I think I may try and find a new home for this Azalea, if I can persuade some one to take it