Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Inspect the undersides of new leaves for small clusters of insects.
- Examine branches for hard, black, bumpy growths.
- Look for sticky residue on the leaves.
Likely causes
Aphids
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see clusters of tiny green or black insects on the undersides of new leaves. They cause the leaves to curl and become sticky with honeydew.
What to do: Spray the affected areas with a strong stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.
Black Knot
Most likelyHow to tell: This fungal disease creates rough, black, elongated galls that wrap around twigs and branches. It is most noticeable during the dormant season.
What to do: Prune out all infected branches at least 4 inches below the visible gall. Sterilize your pruning shears with rubbing alcohol between each cut to prevent spreading the fungus.
Find out what's wrong with your cherry plum
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
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When to worry
Black knot is serious and can kill the tree if left untreated for several seasons. Aphids are usually a temporary nuisance that rarely kills a mature tree.
Stopping it coming back
Keep your tree healthy with proper pruning and avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer which attracts aphids. Remove any wild cherry trees nearby that might harbor black knot.
Cherry plum: pests? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your cherry plum and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
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Questions people ask
- Will aphids kill my cherry plum?
- Usually no, but they can stress a young tree. They are mostly a cosmetic issue that causes leaf curling.
- Can I save a branch with black knot?
- No, you must prune it out. There is no chemical cure for established galls on branches.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Cherry plum
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.