Causes of White Eggplant Leaves
The two most common problems for why your eggplant’s leaves are turning white are sun scorch and mildew.
Sun Scorch
One of the most common reasons eggplant leaves turn white is due to sun scorch. In this instance, the white color starts out as a small spot here and there and eventually spreads to engulf the entire leaf. In some cases, it can appear as if you have splashed a bottle of bleach throughout the garden.
Leaves that have sun scorch typically means that the plant has been grown indoors and transplanted to the outdoors without proper hardening. To make sure your plants remain healthy, take the following steps to prevent sun scorch:
- Make sure the seedlings have two sets of healthy leaves.
- Do not transplant until the soil is at least 70 degrees.
- Expose seedlings to the sun gradually, starting out at an hour or two a day.
- Increase the time outside daily until they have been outdoors for at least a full day before transplanting outdoors.
By following the above steps, you can decrease the incidences of scorched, white leaves. However, keep in mind that even a scorched leaf or two does not mean the plant is doomed. As long as the stem is green and pliable, remove the scorched leaves and care for the plant as you normally would.
Mildew
The second most common reason eggplant leaves are turning white is due to mildew. Although not as easy to prevent and treat as simple sun scorch, mildew can be successfully eradicated as long as it is treated promptly.
If the eggplant leaves are covered with a substance that looks like fine powder (think flour or cornstarch), this indicates mildew. The best way to treat mildew growth is the purchase a fungicide.
There are many different types of fungicide on the market. Which one you choose is entirely up to you and your gardening practices. For example, home and garden stores carry a variety of chemicals designed to kill fungi on your plants. If you prefer to go a more natural route, applying neem oil is a favorite method of mildew removal. Regardless of the method you choose, be sure to continue the treatment until all signs of the disease are gone.
Prevention of White Eggplant Leaves
If you want to prevent either sun scorch or powdery mildew on your eggplants, be sure to transplant carefully and allow the plants to harden. Also, keep your beds free of weeds and pests as well as be sure the soil is well-drained and healthy. By doing so, you can almost guarantee a season of bright green leaves and strikingly purple fruit.
