Should I remove the infected leaves?

Yes, pruning away heavily infected leaves helps stop the spread. Dispose of them in the trash, not your compost pile.

Is powdery mildew contagious?

It spreads easily through air currents. Keep infected plants away from your other healthy greenery.

American vetch: spots, causes and fixes

Check these first

Rub the white spot with your finger to see if it wipes off like dust.
Check if the plant is crowded by other vegetation.
Observe if the spots appear after you water the plant.

Likely causes

Powdery mildew
Most likely
How to tell: You will see a white, powdery substance on the surface of the leaves. It often starts as small spots and spreads to cover the entire foliage.
What to do: Improve air circulation around the plant immediately. You can treat the fungus by spraying a mixture of one tablespoon of baking soda in a gallon of water.
Water splashing
Possible
How to tell: Small, irregular spots may appear after watering if soil or mineral deposits splash onto the leaves. These spots are usually dry and do not spread like fungus.
What to do: Water at the base of the plant rather than overhead. This keeps the foliage dry and prevents soil from splashing up.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your american vetch

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

Powdery mildew is serious if it covers most of the leaves, as it prevents the plant from photosynthesizing. Minor spotting from water is harmless.

Stopping it coming back

Give your vetch plenty of space for air to move between stems. Water only at the soil level to keep leaves dry.

American vetch: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your american vetch 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

Should I remove the infected leaves?: Yes, pruning away heavily infected leaves helps stop the spread. Dispose of them in the trash, not your compost pile.
Is powdery mildew contagious?: It spreads easily through air currents. Keep infected plants away from your other healthy greenery.

Guides to these causes

Powdery Mildew

Why are there white spots on my American vetch?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your american vetch?