Can I save leaves that have powdery mildew?

If the leaf is mostly covered, it is best to snip it off and throw it in the trash. This prevents the fungus from spreading to the rest of the plant.

Will these spots kill my plant?

Usually not, but they can weaken the plant and make it look messy. Treating the cause early keeps your forget-me-nots blooming longer.

Forget-me-not: spots, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of leaves for tiny insects.
Look for a white powdery dust on the leaf surface.
Check if the soil is too dry or the air is stagnant.

Likely causes

Powdery mildew
Most likely
How to tell: You will see a white, dusty coating on the leaves that looks like flour. It happens most often during dry, warm weather.
What to do: Improve air circulation around the plants by spacing them out. If the infection is heavy, spray the foliage with a mixture of one tablespoon of baking soda in a gallon of water.
Aphids
Most likely
How to tell: These tiny green or black insects cluster on new growth and flower buds. They leave behind sticky residue that can cause discolored spots.
What to do: Wash the aphids off with a steady stream of water from your hose. For larger infestations, apply insecticidal soap directly to the bugs every 5 to 7 days.

Find out what's wrong with your 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

Worry if the spots cover more than half the leaf or if the plant stops producing new buds. Small, isolated spots are common in late summer.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil consistently moist and avoid overhead watering to keep the leaves dry. Space your plants well to ensure good airflow.

Keep your forget-me-not healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Can I save leaves that have powdery mildew?: If the leaf is mostly covered, it is best to snip it off and throw it in the trash. This prevents the fungus from spreading to the rest of the plant.
Will these spots kill my plant?: Usually not, but they can weaken the plant and make it look messy. Treating the cause early keeps your forget-me-nots blooming longer.

Why are there spots on my Wood forget-me-not leaves?