Is powdery mildew contagious?

Yes, the spores travel through the air and can easily spread to nearby susceptible plants.

Should I cut off infected leaves?

Yes, removing heavily infected leaves helps reduce the number of spores and improves the look of the plant.

Treasure flower: spots, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check if the white spots rub off easily with your finger.
Assess if the plant is crowded by other vegetation.
Look at your watering method to ensure you are not wetting the leaves.

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: Improve air circulation by thinning out crowded plants. Spray the foliage with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of baking soda in 1 gallon of water.
Poor Airflow
Possible
How to tell: The plant is tucked in a corner or surrounded by dense foliage. The leaves stay damp for too long after watering.
What to do: Prune back surrounding plants to allow a breeze to reach your treasure flower. Always water at the base of the plant to keep the leaves dry.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your treasure flower

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 mildew covers the entire plant, it will struggle to photosynthesize and eventually decline. Treat it as soon as you see the first spots.

Stopping it coming back

Ensure your plants have plenty of space and always water the soil directly rather than overhead.

Treasure flower: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your treasure flower 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, the spores travel through the air and can easily spread to nearby susceptible plants.
Should I cut off infected leaves?: Yes, removing heavily infected leaves helps reduce the number of spores and improves the look of the plant.

Guides to these causes

Powdery Mildew

Why are there white spots on my treasure flower leaves?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your treasure flower?