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kidneyleaf buttercup · Ranunculus abortivus

What are these spots on my kidneyleaf buttercup?

Spots on your buttercup are often a sign of fungal issues like powdery mildew. Check the leaves for a white, dusty coating to confirm this.

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spots on a plant
Photo: Scot Nelson, CC0

Check these first

  1. Look for white dust on the leaves.
  2. Check if the plant is crowded by other plants.
  3. Inspect the undersides of the leaves for pests.

Likely causes

  1. Powdery mildew

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see a white, powdery fungal growth on the surface of the leaves.

    What to do: Improve air circulation by spacing plants further apart. You can also wipe leaves with a mix of one part milk to nine parts water.

  2. Leaf spot disease

    Possible

    How to tell: Small brown or black spots appear on the leaves, often with a yellow halo.

    What to do: Remove the affected leaves immediately to stop the spread. Avoid watering from above to keep the foliage dry.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your kidneyleaf buttercup

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 foliage, the plant will struggle to photosynthesize. Take action as soon as you see the first few spots.

Stopping it coming back

Water at the base of the plant to keep leaves dry and ensure good airflow around the foliage.

Kidneyleaf buttercup: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your kidneyleaf buttercup 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.

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Questions people ask

Is powdery mildew harmful?
It weakens the plant over time and makes it look unsightly. It is best to treat it early to prevent it from spreading to other plants.
Can I use neem oil?
Neem oil is a good organic option for fungal spots. Apply it in the evening to avoid burning the leaves in the sun.

Guides to these causes

More problems with kidneyleaf buttercup

Back to the kidneyleaf buttercup 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.