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Sticky mouse-ear chickweed · Cerastium glomeratum

What are these white spots on my sticky mouse-ear chickweed?

Those white spots are likely powdery mildew, a common fungal issue for this plant during humid weather. It looks like a dusting of flour on the leaves and stems.

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spots on a plant
Photo: Scot Nelson, CC0

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of the leaves for signs of fungus.
  2. Check if the air around the plant feels stagnant.
  3. Look for other plants nearby that might be spreading the mildew.

Likely causes

  1. Powdery mildew

    Most likely

    How to tell: White, powdery fungal growth appears on the surface of the leaves.

    What to do: Improve air circulation around the plants by spacing them out. You can also spray the foliage with a mix of 1 tablespoon of baking soda in 1 gallon of water.

  2. High humidity

    Possible

    How to tell: The spots appear after a period of damp, stagnant air.

    What to do: Avoid overhead watering to keep the leaves dry. Ensure the plant is in a location with good airflow.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your sticky mouse-ear chickweed

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

Treat this as soon as you see it, as the fungus can spread quickly and weaken the entire plant.

Stopping it coming back

Water at the base of the plant to keep foliage dry and ensure plenty of space between plants.

Sticky mouse-ear chickweed: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your sticky mouse-ear chickweed 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

Should I remove the spotted leaves?
Yes, removing heavily infected leaves can help slow the spread of the fungus.
Is this fungus harmful to other plants?
Yes, powdery mildew spreads easily through the air to other susceptible plants in your garden.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Sticky mouse-ear chickweed

Back to the Sticky mouse-ear chickweed 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.