Medium Severity 10 day treatment

Powdery Mildew on Leaves

Erysiphales

Powdery mildew looks like white dust on leaves. Learn how to stop it, prevent spread, and protect new growth.

Signs to Look For

  • White powder spots
  • Leaf yellowing
  • Slow growth
  • Spreading patches

Quick Fix

  1. 1 Remove heavily affected leaves
  2. 2 Improve airflow immediately
  3. 3 Avoid wetting foliage at night

Commonly Affects

Zucchini Roses Peonies Herbs Indoor ornamentals Outdoor annuals

What powdery mildew looks like

Powdery mildew is a fungus that appears like white flour or dust on leaf surfaces.

It spreads fast when:

  • Airflow is poor
  • Leaves stay damp
  • Plants are crowded

Confirm it is mildew

Rub the white patch lightly. If it smears like powder, it is likely powdery mildew.

Treatment plan

Step 1: Stop the spread

  • Remove the worst leaves.
  • Improve airflow and spacing.
  • Move indoor plants away from stagnant corners.

Step 2: Treat

  • A gentle antifungal spray can help.
  • Repeat every few days until new growth stays clean.

Step 3: Change the conditions

Fungus returns if the environment stays the same.

  • Water the soil, not the leaves
  • Avoid heavy humidity without airflow

Prevention

  • Space plants
  • Provide airflow
  • Keep leaves dry overnight

Frequently Asked Questions

Is powdery mildew an insect?

No. It is a fungus, but many people search for it under pest problems because it spreads and damages leaves.

Will it kill my plant?

It can weaken plants and reduce growth. Most plants recover if you fix airflow and treat early.

Why did it appear suddenly?

It often shows up after humid conditions, crowded leaves, and warm temperatures.

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