Is powdery mildew contagious?

Yes, it spreads through spores in the air. Keep infected plants away from healthy ones until the issue is resolved.

Should I cut off all the spotted leaves?

Only remove leaves that are severely damaged or covered in fungus. If the infection is light, a simple spray treatment is usually enough.

Japanese spindle: spots, causes and fixes

Check these first

Rub the spot to see if it wipes away like dust.
Check if the spots are on the top or bottom of the leaves.
Ensure the plant has enough space for air to circulate.

Likely causes

Powdery mildew
Most likely
How to tell: You will see a white, dusty coating that looks like flour on the surface of the leaves. It often starts in patches and can spread to cover the entire leaf.
What to do: Prune away the most heavily infected branches to improve airflow. Spray the foliage with a mixture of one tablespoon of baking soda in a gallon of water.
Water spots
Possible
How to tell: These are hard water deposits left behind after watering. They look like white crusty rings or spots that do not rub off easily.
What to do: Wipe the leaves gently with a damp cloth. In the future, try to water the soil directly rather than splashing the foliage.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your japanese spindle

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

If the white powder covers most of the leaves, the plant will struggle to photosynthesize. Treat it immediately to prevent the fungus from spreading to other plants.

Stopping it coming back

Water at the base of the plant to keep leaves dry. Thin out crowded branches to ensure good air movement.

Japanese spindle: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your japanese spindle 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 until the issue is resolved.
Should I cut off all the spotted leaves?: Only remove leaves that are severely damaged or covered in fungus. If the infection is light, a simple spray treatment is usually enough.

Guides to these causes

Powdery Mildew

Why does my Japanese spindle have white spots?