Is powdery mildew contagious?

Yes, it spreads easily to other plants nearby. Isolate your forget-me-not until it is clear.

Should I cut off all the spotted leaves?

Remove the worst ones, but do not strip the plant bare. Focus on improving air circulation to stop the fungus from growing.

Water forget-me-not: spots, causes and fixes

Check these first

Rub the white spot to see if it wipes off like powder.
Check if the plant is crowded by other plants.
Ensure the soil is not drying out between waterings.

Likely causes

Powdery mildew
Most likely
How to tell: A white, powdery coating appears on the surface of the leaves. It often starts as small patches and spreads quickly.
What to do: Prune away the most heavily affected leaves to improve airflow. Treat the remaining foliage with a mixture of one part milk to nine parts water or a fungicide.
Water quality
Possible
How to tell: Small white mineral deposits appear on leaves after watering.
What to do: Water at the base of the plant rather than overhead. This keeps the leaves dry and prevents mineral buildup.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your water forget-me-not

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

Powdery mildew is unsightly and can weaken the plant if left unchecked. It is rarely fatal but needs treatment to stop the spread.

Stopping it coming back

Ensure there is plenty of space between your plants for air to move. Keep the soil consistently damp to reduce plant stress.

Water forget-me-not: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your water forget-me-not 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, it spreads easily to other plants nearby. Isolate your forget-me-not until it is clear.
Should I cut off all the spotted leaves?: Remove the worst ones, but do not strip the plant bare. Focus on improving air circulation to stop the fungus from growing.

Guides to these causes

Powdery Mildew

Why are there white spots on my water forget-me-not?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your water forget-me-not?