Tulsi is a popular herb that grows almost everywhere in India. It is also known as holy basil and is used in Ayurvedic remedies. The leaves of Tulsi are usually green.
However, you often hear of the leaves turning black. Why tulsi leaves turning black? Does it affect the taste? Let’s find out more here.
Why Tulsi Leaves Turning Black?
Frost Exposure
Although basil hails from subtropical, tropical, and hot weather, this herb might not tolerate frost. And if your basil happens to find itself in a temperate climate, it needs to be watched closely throughout the winter season.
In case there’s even the slightest overnight possibility of a temperature drop below 50℉, its leaves might start turning black and wilt away as it dies off prematurely.
Bacterial and Fungal
Certain pathogens can affect basil by splashing water on the surfaces or insects attacking the plant. One of the most common fungal infections that infect basil plants is called Colletotrichum, a brown or even black patch that appears on the leaves or stems.
At the same time, Cercospora and Septoria Spot will leave behind irregularly shaped brown and black patches. Pseudomonas is bacteria that result in wet brown spots appearing all over your basil plants and mold-like downy mildew, which looks like small white fungi growing in clusters.
Nutrient
Nutrients are vital for all living organisms, so it should be no surprise that deficiency of nutrients is not a common lead to black spots in basil leaves. Though curled and yellowing leaves may indicate inadequate amounts of nitrogen fertilizer being introduced to the plant’s soil and water!
If this happens and you rule out other causes causing those changes, it probably means the amount of nitrogen put into the ground isn’t adequate for your needs.
How To Detect Reasons Tulsi Leaves Turning Black?
Cold Snap
When you grow your basil indoors, try to keep it in a warm place where the temperature stays above 50℉ (10℃) if possible. Otherwise, you should bring the bucket indoors and protect it from exposure to extremely cold or freezing temperatures. You can use a mini space heater or a heating mat to prevent the bucket or pot from falling below 50℉ (10℃).
Spots And Rings Color
One of the most effective ways to recognize fungal infections like Pseudomonas Cichorii, Colletotrichum, and Cercospora Leaf Spot is by examining the affected leaves closely for an appearance that indicates any discoloration, wetness, or texture changes.
The specific physical properties of bacterial effects might vary from species to species but tend to be much more uniform among themselves than fungal infections. Bacterial plant disease symptoms are often distinct in their own right, so it’s fairly easy to identify them from fungal diseases by a sense of sight alone.
Conclusion
You may notice that the leaves of your tulsi plant are turning black. While it is not uncommon for tulsi plants to change color during the winter months, you should find out “Why Tulsi Leaves Turning Black” to have a clear plan to solve the problem. Hope you have a great time! Cheer!
