Is powdery mildew fatal?

It is rarely fatal if caught early, but it can weaken the plant and make it look unsightly. Treat it as soon as you notice the first spots.

Should I throw the plant away?

No, you do not need to discard the plant. With proper treatment and better airflow, it will recover.

Common Fumitory: spots, causes and fixes

Check these first

Rub the white spots to see if they wipe off like dust.
Check if the plant is in a spot with stagnant air.
Ensure you are watering the soil and not the leaves.

Likely causes

Powdery Mildew
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves will look like they have been dusted with flour. It usually starts on the older leaves and spreads quickly.
What to do: Remove the most heavily affected leaves to improve airflow. Spray the plant with a mixture of one tablespoon of baking soda in a gallon of water.
Water Splashing
Possible
How to tell: Small brown or white spots appear after watering if you splash soil onto the leaves. This is usually just cosmetic damage.
What to do: Water at the base of the plant rather than over the top of the foliage. Wipe any soil off the leaves with a soft, damp cloth.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your common fumitory

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 spots cover most of the foliage and the leaves start to turn yellow or drop, the plant is struggling significantly.

Stopping it coming back

Ensure your plant has plenty of space for air to move around it and avoid getting the leaves wet when watering.

Common Fumitory: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your common fumitory 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

Is powdery mildew fatal?: It is rarely fatal if caught early, but it can weaken the plant and make it look unsightly. Treat it as soon as you notice the first spots.
Should I throw the plant away?: No, you do not need to discard the plant. With proper treatment and better airflow, it will recover.

Guides to these causes

Powdery Mildew

Why does my Common Fumitory have white spots?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your common fumitory?