Is powdery mildew contagious to other plants?

Yes, it can spread through the air to other susceptible plants in your garden. Keep an eye on your other flowers.

Should I cut off all the spotted leaves?

Remove the worst ones, but do not strip the plant bare. The plant needs its leaves to produce energy for flowers.

Texas bluebonnet: spots, causes and fixes

Check these first

Rub the white spot with your finger to see if it wipes off.
Check if the plant is crowded by other vegetation.
Observe if the spots are spreading to new leaves.

Likely causes

Powdery mildew
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves look like they have been dusted with flour or white powder.
What to do: Remove the most heavily infected leaves to improve airflow. Spray the remaining foliage with a mixture of one tablespoon of baking soda in a gallon of water.
High humidity
Possible
How to tell: The spots appear after a long period of damp or humid weather.
What to do: Ensure your plants are spaced far enough apart to allow air to circulate. Avoid overhead watering to keep the leaves dry.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your texas bluebonnet

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 fungus covers the entire plant, it will struggle to photosynthesize and may stop blooming. Treat it as soon as you notice the first white patches.

Stopping it coming back

Give your bluebonnets plenty of space and full sun to keep the foliage dry and healthy.

Texas bluebonnet: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your texas bluebonnet 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 to other plants?: Yes, it can spread through the air to other susceptible plants in your garden. Keep an eye on your other flowers.
Should I cut off all the spotted leaves?: Remove the worst ones, but do not strip the plant bare. The plant needs its leaves to produce energy for flowers.

Guides to these causes

Powdery Mildew

Why does my Texas bluebonnet have white spots?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your texas bluebonnet?