Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Look for a white, powdery substance on the leaves.
- Check the undersides of the leaves for slugs or snails.
- Examine the soil around the plant for slime trails.
Likely causes
Powdery mildew
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see a white, dusty coating on the surface of the leaves.
What to do: Improve air circulation by thinning out crowded plants. If it persists, apply a neem oil spray in the early morning or late evening.
Slug or snail damage
PossibleHow to tell: There are irregular, ragged holes in the leaves, often with slimy trails nearby.
What to do: Handpick the pests in the evening when they are active. You can also place shallow dishes of beer or use iron phosphate bait around the base.
Find out what's wrong with your spotted dead-nettle
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.
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When to worry
Small, isolated spots are usually manageable. Worry if the entire plant is covered in white powder or if the foliage is being eaten away rapidly.
Stopping it coming back
Water at the base of the plant rather than overhead to keep the leaves dry. Keep the area free of debris where slugs like to hide.
Spotted dead-nettle: spots? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your spotted dead-nettle 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Is powdery mildew fatal?
- It is rarely fatal, but it can weaken the plant and make it look unsightly. Treat it early to prevent it from spreading to other plants.
- Do I need to remove the damaged leaves?
- Yes, removing heavily damaged leaves helps reduce the spread of fungus and keeps the plant looking fresh.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Spotted dead-nettle
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- Why is my Lamium maculatum suffering from root rot?
- Why are my Lamium maculatum leaves curling?
Back to the Spotted dead-nettle guide
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.