Is powdery mildew contagious?

Yes, it spreads through spores in the air. Keep infected plants away from healthy ones if possible.

Will the leaves turn brown after the spots?

Often, yes. Once the fungus damages the leaf tissue, those areas may eventually turn brown and die.

Large flowered tickseed: spots, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check if the white spots rub off easily with your finger.
Look at the density of the surrounding plants.
Inspect the leaves for signs of moisture retention.

Likely causes

Powdery Mildew
Most likely
How to tell: A white, dusty coating appears on the surface of the leaves. It looks like someone sprinkled flour on the plant.
What to do: Prune away the most heavily affected leaves to improve airflow. Apply a fungicide or a mix of water and baking soda to the remaining foliage.
Poor Air Circulation
Possible
How to tell: The plant is crowded by other vegetation, preventing the leaves from drying out after rain.
What to do: Thin out surrounding plants to allow better airflow. Ensure your tickseed has enough space to breathe.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your large flowered tickseed

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 common in late summer, but if it covers the whole plant, it will stop the plant from photosynthesizing properly.

Stopping it coming back

Water at the base of the plant rather than overhead to keep the foliage dry.

Large flowered tickseed: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your large flowered tickseed 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, it spreads through spores in the air. Keep infected plants away from healthy ones if possible.
Will the leaves turn brown after the spots?: Often, yes. Once the fungus damages the leaf tissue, those areas may eventually turn brown and die.

Guides to these causes

Powdery Mildew

Why are there white spots on my Large flowered tickseed?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your large flowered tickseed?