Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Inspect the undersides of the leaves for pests.
- Check if the plant is crowded by other garden neighbors.
- Feel the soil to ensure it is not staying soggy.
Likely causes
Powdery Mildew
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see a white, dusty coating on the surface of the leaves. It often happens when air circulation is poor.
What to do: Prune away the most affected leaves to improve airflow. Apply a neem oil spray or a mixture of one tablespoon of baking soda in a gallon of water to the leaves.
Leaf Spot
PossibleHow to tell: Dark, brown, or black spots appear on the foliage, often with a yellow halo. This thrives in humid, wet conditions.
What to do: Remove and dispose of infected foliage immediately to stop the spread. Avoid overhead watering to keep the leaves dry.
Find out what's wrong with your lady's mantle
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
If the spots cover more than half the plant, it may struggle to recover. Small, isolated spots are normal during a rainy season.
Stopping it coming back
Water only at the base of the plant and ensure it has plenty of space for air to move around the foliage.
Lady's Mantle: spots? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your lady's mantle 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Will these spots kill my plant?
- Usually, no. It is mostly an aesthetic issue, but it can weaken the plant if left untreated for a long time.
- Should I cut the whole plant back?
- If the foliage looks terrible, you can cut it back to the ground. It will often grow fresh, healthy leaves within a few weeks.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Lady's Mantle
Back to the Lady's Mantle guide
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.