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Check these first
- Rub the spot with your finger to see if it is powdery.
- Check the air circulation around your plant.
- Inspect the underside of the leaves for pests.
Likely causes
Powdery mildew
Most likelyHow to tell: White, flour like spots appear on the surface of the leaves during humid or stagnant air conditions.
What to do: Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove the fungus. Improve air circulation around the plant and avoid getting water on the foliage when you irrigate.
Fungal leaf spot
PossibleHow to tell: Darker or brown spots with yellow halos appear on the leaves.
What to do: Remove the affected leaves immediately to stop the spread. Keep the foliage dry by watering only at the base of the plant.
Find out what's wrong with your japanese dandelion
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 most of the leaf surface, the plant will struggle to photosynthesize. Take action as soon as you see the first few spots.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the leaves dry and ensure your plant has plenty of space for air to move around it.
Japanese dandelion: spots? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your japanese dandelion 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 this fungus harmful to me?
- Powdery mildew is not harmful to humans, but it can weaken your plant significantly. It is best to treat it quickly.
- Should I use a fungicide?
- You can use a mild neem oil spray if the infection is persistent. Always follow the label instructions carefully.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Japanese dandelion
- Why is my Japanese dandelion drooping?
- Why is my Japanese dandelion not blooming?
- Why is my Japanese dandelion growing so tall and thin?
- Why are my Japanese dandelion leaves turning yellow?
- Why are the tips of my Japanese dandelion leaves turning brown?
- Why are there bugs on my Japanese dandelion?
- Why is my Japanese dandelion wilting?
- Why are my Japanese dandelion leaves curling?
Back to the Japanese dandelion 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.