Is powdery mildew fatal?

It is rarely fatal if caught early. However, it weakens the plant and makes it look unsightly.

Should I throw the plant away?

No, you can usually save it with better airflow and a simple fungicide or baking soda spray. Only discard it if the entire plant is shriveled and dead.

Hare's foot clover: spots, causes and fixes

Check these first

Rub the white spot to see if it wipes off like powder.
Check if the plant is in a spot with stagnant air.
Ensure you are watering the soil directly instead of the foliage.

Likely causes

Powdery Mildew
Most likely
How to tell: White, powdery patches appear on the leaves and stems. The leaves may eventually turn yellow or brown if left untreated.
What to do: Improve air circulation by moving the plant to a spot with better breeze. Remove the most heavily infected leaves and treat the rest with a mixture of water and a little baking soda.
Water Splashing
Possible
How to tell: Small, irregular spots appear after watering. These are often just mineral deposits or soil splashes.
What to do: Water at the base of the plant rather than over the top. Wipe the leaves gently with a damp cloth to clean them.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your hare's foot clover

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

If the white spots cover more than half the plant, it will struggle to photosynthesize. Treat it immediately to prevent the fungus from spreading to the entire plant.

Stopping it coming back

Ensure your clover gets plenty of direct sun and good airflow. Avoid getting the leaves wet when you water.

Hare's foot clover: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your hare's foot clover 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 fatal?: It is rarely fatal if caught early. However, it weakens the plant and makes it look unsightly.
Should I throw the plant away?: No, you can usually save it with better airflow and a simple fungicide or baking soda spray. Only discard it if the entire plant is shriveled and dead.

Guides to these causes

Powdery Mildew

Why does my Rabbit's Foot Clover have white spots?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your hare's foot clover?