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Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew: A common fungal disease that appears as white or grayish patches on the leaves, stems, and sometimes flowers or fruits of plants.

Powdery mildew is like the plant world’s equivalent of dandruff. It’s a fungal disease that appears as white or grayish spots, usually on the leaves. It looks kind of like someone sprinkled powdered sugar on your plants, hence the name. It’s not usually fatal, but it can weaken your plants and make them look pretty sad.

Think of powdery mildew as the uninvited guest at your plant party. It’s more likely to show up when it’s humid and the air circulation is poor, like when you’ve got a lot of plants crowded together. It can spread quickly, so it’s crucial to catch it early. It’s a bit like a cold going around at school – if one person has it, others will get it too.

Luckily, powdery mildew is usually treatable. You can try spraying your plants with a fungicide or making your own organic remedies with things like baking soda or neem oil. It’s like giving your plants a good shower and some vitamins to help them fight off the infection. Remember to address the underlying cause, like improving air circulation so the powdery mildew doesn’t return.

Powdery mildew Erysiphe cichoracearum on green leaf of Jerusalem artichoke
Powdery Mildew on a plant leaf

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as health, wellness or nutrition advice. Please see our full disclaimers here.

 

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Written by:
Kevin Mansoor
Published on:
February 25, 2025

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