Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Check if the leaves are staying wet after watering.
- Look for white dust or dark spots on the foliage.
- Ensure the plant has enough space between it and other plants.
Likely causes
Leaf spot
Most likelyHow to tell: Dark brown or black spots appear on the leaves, often with a yellow halo. This happens when water sits on the leaves for extended periods.
What to do: Remove the affected leaves immediately to stop the spread. Water only at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry.
Powdery mildew
PossibleHow to tell: A white, dusty coating appears on the surface of the leaves. It thrives in humid conditions with poor airflow.
What to do: Increase air circulation by moving the plant to a breezier spot. You can wipe leaves with a mixture of water and a tiny drop of mild soap.
Find out what's wrong with your mélisse
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
If the spots cover more than half of the leaves, the plant may struggle to photosynthesize. Take action as soon as you see the first few spots.
Stopping it coming back
Water at the soil level rather than over the top, and ensure your plant has plenty of space for air to move around it.
Mélisse: spots? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your mélisse 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 it safe to eat leaves with spots?
- It is best to discard any leaves that show signs of fungus or disease. Stick to harvesting the clean, healthy leaves.
- Does humidity cause these spots?
- High humidity combined with low airflow is the perfect environment for these fungal issues to develop.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Mélisse
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.