Will these spots spread to my other plants?

Yes, powdery mildew spores travel easily through the air. Isolate the affected plant until it is clear.

Should I cut off the spotted leaves?

Yes, pruning away heavily infected branches helps reduce the amount of fungus on the plant.

What are these white spots on my Heather? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Rub the white spots to see if they wipe off like dust.
Check if the plant is crowded by other plants.
Look for signs of poor airflow around the base.

Likely causes

Powdery mildew
Most likely
How to tell: A fine, white, flour like dust appears on the leaves and stems.
What to do: Move your plant to a spot with better air circulation and full sun. You can spray the foliage with a mixture of 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a quart of water.
High humidity
Possible
How to tell: The spots appear after a long period of damp, cloudy weather.
What to do: Avoid overhead watering that gets the leaves wet. Keep the plant in a bright, sunny location to help keep the foliage dry.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your heather

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

Mildew is rarely fatal, but it can weaken your plant if left untreated for a long time. Treat it as soon as you see it.

Stopping it coming back

Provide plenty of space between plants and ensure they get full sun to keep leaves dry.

Heather: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your heather 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

Will these spots spread to my other plants?: Yes, powdery mildew spores travel easily through the air. Isolate the affected plant until it is clear.
Should I cut off the spotted leaves?: Yes, pruning away heavily infected branches helps reduce the amount of fungus on the plant.

Guides to these causes

Powdery Mildew

What are these white spots on my Heather?