Is powdery mildew contagious?

Yes, the spores can easily spread to other plants in your garden through the air.

Should I throw away a plant with mildew?

Not necessarily, as you can often manage it with pruning and treatment if you catch it early.

Common Daisy: spots, causes and fixes

Check these first

Rub the spot to see if it wipes off like dust.
Check if the plant is crowded by other plants.
Look for signs of high humidity around the plant.

Likely causes

Powdery Mildew
Most likely
How to tell: A white, dusty coating appears on the leaves and stems.
What to do: Remove the most affected leaves to improve airflow. Treat the remaining plant with a neem oil spray or a mixture of water and baking soda.
Water Splashing
Possible
How to tell: Small brown or white spots appearing after watering from above.
What to do: Water at the base of the plant rather than over the foliage. This keeps the leaves dry and prevents fungal growth.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your common daisy

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

If the spots cover most of the foliage, the plant will struggle to photosynthesize and may decline.

Stopping it coming back

Ensure your daisies have enough space between them for air to move freely.

Common Daisy: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your common daisy 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.

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

Questions people ask

Is powdery mildew contagious?: Yes, the spores can easily spread to other plants in your garden through the air.
Should I throw away a plant with mildew?: Not necessarily, as you can often manage it with pruning and treatment if you catch it early.

Guides to these causes

Powdery Mildew

Why are there white spots on my common daisy?