Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Rub the spots to see if they wipe off like dust.
- Look at the underside of the leaves for pests.
- Check if the plant is crowded by other shrubs.
Likely causes
Powdery mildew
Most likelyHow to tell: A white, dusty coating appears on the surface of the leaves. It often happens during humid weather with poor air circulation.
What to do: Improve airflow around the plant by thinning out crowded branches. Apply a neem oil spray or a mixture of water and baking soda to the leaves.
Leaf spot fungus
PossibleHow to tell: Small brown or black spots with yellow halos appear on the leaves. These spots often grow larger during wet, rainy seasons.
What to do: Remove and destroy any heavily spotted leaves to stop the spread. Avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage as dry as possible.
Find out what's wrong with your traveller's-joy
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
Small, occasional spots are common in late summer. You should worry if the spots are spreading rapidly and causing the leaves to turn yellow and fall off.
Stopping it coming back
Water at the base of the plant rather than over the leaves. Ensure the plant has enough space for air to move freely through the vines.
Traveller's-joy: spots? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your traveller's-joy 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Can I use a fungicide?
- Yes, a garden fungicide can help, but cultural changes like better airflow are more effective long term.
- Is powdery mildew harmful?
- It is mostly unsightly, but if left untreated, it can weaken the plant and reduce its ability to flower.
Guides to these causes
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Back to the Traveller's-joy 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.