Check these first
- Check the undersides of the leaves for insects.
- Look for a white, dusty coating on the leaf surfaces.
- Notice if the spots appear after a rainy spell.
Likely causes
Powdery Mildew
Most likelyHow to tell: White, powdery patches appear on the leaves and stems. These spots can spread quickly during humid weather.
What to do: Improve airflow around the plant by thinning out dense foliage. You can spray the leaves with a mixture of 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 quart of water to neutralize the fungus.
Leaf Spot Disease
PossibleHow to tell: Dark brown or black spots with yellow halos appear on the leaves. These often develop after prolonged periods of rain or overhead watering.
What to do: Remove and dispose of any heavily infected leaves to stop the spread. Avoid watering from above and aim your hose at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry.
Find out what's wrong with your scentless mayweed
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
Small, isolated spots are manageable, but if the entire plant is covered and leaves are dying, you need to act fast. It is normal to see some wear and tear on older leaves near the soil.
Stopping it coming back
Water at the base of the plant and ensure there is plenty of space between plants for air to circulate.
Scentless Mayweed: spots? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your scentless mayweed 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
- Can I save a plant with powdery mildew?
- Yes, if you catch it early. Improve the airflow and use a mild fungicide or baking soda spray to manage it.
- Will these spots kill my plant?
- If left untreated, severe fungal infections can weaken the plant significantly. However, they are rarely fatal if you address the humidity and airflow issues.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Scentless Mayweed
- Why is my Scentless Mayweed looking so leggy?
- Why is my Scentless Mayweed drooping?
- Why is my Scentless Mayweed not flowering?
- Why are my Scentless Mayweed leaves turning yellow?
- Why are my Scentless Mayweed tips turning brown?
- Why are there bugs on my Scentless Mayweed?
- Is my Scentless Mayweed suffering from root rot?
- Why are my Scentless Mayweed leaves curling?
Back to the Scentless Mayweed 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.

