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False indigo bush · Amorpha fruticosa

Why does my False indigo bush have spots on its leaves?

Spots on your False indigo bush are often caused by fungal issues like powdery mildew. Check the leaves for a white, dusty coating or dark lesions.

Not sure it's this? Check a photo of your plant for free

spots on a plant
Photo: Scot Nelson, CC0

Check these first

  1. Look for a white dusty substance on the leaves.
  2. Check if the plant is crowded by other shrubs.
  3. Feel the leaves to see if they stay wet for long periods.

Likely causes

  1. Powdery mildew

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see a white, flour like coating on the leaves. It happens when humidity is high and air circulation is poor.

    What to do: Prune out crowded branches to improve airflow. You can also spray the leaves with a mixture of one tablespoon of baking soda in a gallon of water.

  2. Fungal leaf spot

    Possible

    How to tell: Small dark or brown spots appear on the foliage. These often spread during long periods of wet weather.

    What to do: Remove and dispose of any fallen leaves around the base of the plant. Avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your false indigo bush

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

A few spots are normal in late summer, but if the entire plant is covered in white dust, it needs treatment to stay healthy.

Stopping it coming back

Space plants properly to ensure good airflow and always water at the base rather than over the leaves.

False indigo bush: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your false indigo bush 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 the spots kill my plant?
Usually no, but they can weaken the plant over time. Treating it early keeps the shrub looking its best.
Should I cut off spotted leaves?
Yes, removing heavily infected leaves helps stop the spread. Bag them up and throw them in the trash rather than composting them.

Guides to these causes

More problems with False indigo bush

Back to the False indigo bush 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.