Is powdery mildew contagious?

Yes, the spores can easily spread to other susceptible plants in your garden through the air.

Should I remove all the leaves with spots?

Remove the worst ones to reduce the spore count, but do not strip the plant bare as it needs its leaves to photosynthesize.

Burnet saxifrage: spots, causes and fixes

Check these first

Rub the white spots to see if they wipe off like dust.
Check if the plant is crowded by other garden neighbors.
Observe if the spots appear after a period of high humidity.

Likely causes

Powdery mildew
Most likely
How to tell: You will notice a white, powdery coating on the surface of the leaves. It may eventually cause the leaves to yellow or curl.
What to do: Prune away the most heavily infected leaves to improve airflow. Apply a mixture of one tablespoon of baking soda in a gallon of water to the foliage.
Poor air circulation
Possible
How to tell: The plant is crowded by other vegetation, trapping moisture around the leaves. This creates the perfect environment for fungal spores to settle.
What to do: Thin out surrounding plants to give your burnet saxifrage more space. Ensure it is planted in a spot that gets plenty of direct sun.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your burnet saxifrage

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

Treat this as soon as you see it, as the fungus can spread quickly to other parts of the plant. It is rarely fatal but can make the plant look quite unsightly.

Stopping it coming back

Water at the base of the plant rather than overhead to keep the leaves dry. Ensure the plant has plenty of space for air to move around it.

Burnet saxifrage: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your burnet saxifrage 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, the spores can easily spread to other susceptible plants in your garden through the air.
Should I remove all the leaves with spots?: Remove the worst ones to reduce the spore count, but do not strip the plant bare as it needs its leaves to photosynthesize.

Guides to these causes

Powdery Mildew

Why does my burnet saxifrage have white spots?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your burnet saxifrage?