Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Look for a white, dusty film on the leaves.
- Check if the plant is crowded by other plants.
- Inspect the soil moisture to ensure you are not overwatering.
Likely causes
Powdery mildew
Most likelyHow to tell: White, powdery patches appear on the leaves and stems during warm, humid weather.
What to do: Improve air circulation by thinning out crowded stems. You can apply a neem oil spray or a mixture of water and baking soda to the affected leaves.
Leaf spot disease
PossibleHow to tell: Small brown or black spots with yellow halos appear on the foliage.
What to do: Remove and dispose of the infected leaves immediately. Avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry.
Find out what's wrong with your raceme catmint
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
Minor spotting is common in late summer. Worry if the entire plant is covered in white dust or if the leaves are turning brown and dying rapidly.
Stopping it coming back
Space plants properly to allow for good airflow and always water at the base of the plant rather than over the leaves.
Raceme catmint: spots? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your raceme catmint 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 keep the plant healthy.
- Should I cut the plant down if it has spots?
- If the infection is severe, cutting the plant back by half can remove the diseased foliage and encourage fresh, clean growth.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Raceme catmint
Back to the Raceme catmint 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.