Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Inspect the white spots to see if they rub off easily.
- Check if the plant is crowded by other vegetation.
- Look for signs of moisture trapped on the leaves.
Likely causes
Powdery mildew
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see a white, flour-like coating on the leaves and stems. It often starts on older foliage before spreading to the rest of the plant.
What to do: Remove the most heavily infected leaves to stop the spread. Apply a mixture of one tablespoon of baking soda in a gallon of water to the foliage once a week until the spots vanish.
Water splashing
PossibleHow to tell: Small, irregular spots appear after you have watered the plant from above. These are often mineral deposits or soil particles stuck to wet leaves.
What to do: Always water at the base of the plant rather than over the top. Use a watering can with a narrow spout to keep the foliage dry.
When to worry
Worry if the white spots cover more than half of the plant or if the leaves start to shrivel and die. A few spots are manageable if caught early.
Stopping it coming back
Ensure your plant has plenty of space for air to move around it. Avoid overhead watering to keep the leaves dry.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your common storksbill.
This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Will the white spots kill my plant?
- Not immediately, but it weakens the plant by blocking sunlight. Treating it quickly keeps your storksbill healthy.
- Can I use neem oil for these spots?
- Yes, neem oil is an effective organic treatment. Apply it in the evening to avoid burning the leaves in the sun.
More problems with Common storksbill
Back to the Common storksbill guide
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.