Are slugs active during the day?

They prefer the cool, dark night. You will have better luck finding them after sunset or on very cloudy, damp days.

Will powdery mildew kill my plant?

It rarely kills the plant, but it makes it look unsightly. Keeping the soil moist and the air moving helps prevent it.

What is eating my Astrantia major leaves? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Look for slimy trails on the leaves.
Check the undersides of leaves for white powdery spots.
Inspect the base of the plant at night with a flashlight.

Likely causes

Slugs
Most likely
How to tell: You see irregular, ragged holes in the leaves and slimy trails on the foliage or nearby soil.
What to do: Handpick slugs in the evening when they are active. You can also set out shallow containers of beer or use copper tape around the base of the plant to deter them.
Powdery Mildew
Most likely
How to tell: A white, dusty fungal growth appears on the surface of the leaves. This is common when air circulation is poor.
What to do: Improve air circulation by spacing plants properly. If the infection is severe, prune away affected leaves and improve airflow around the plant.

Find out what's wrong with your masterwort

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.

When to worry

Minor leaf damage is usually not fatal, but heavy slug infestations can defoliate the plant. Powdery mildew is mostly cosmetic but can weaken the plant over time.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the area around your plants clear of debris where slugs hide. Ensure good spacing to prevent fungal issues.

Keep your masterwort healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Are slugs active during the day?: They prefer the cool, dark night. You will have better luck finding them after sunset or on very cloudy, damp days.
Will powdery mildew kill my plant?: It rarely kills the plant, but it makes it look unsightly. Keeping the soil moist and the air moving helps prevent it.

What is eating my Astrantia major leaves?