Powdery Mildew

Powdery grayish-white patches partially or entirely cover leaves and stems, primarily the upper surfaces of the leaves. The fungus saps plant nutrients causing yellowing and sometimes leaf death. Severe infection may kill the plant. The wind spreads the spores to healthy plants.

Crowded plantings, poor air circulation, high humidity, and dampness can all lead to powdery mildew.

• Avoid wetting the leaves of the plants, especially at night.
• Improve air circulation by thinning and pruning out areas of dense foliage.
• Maintain a consistent watering regimen.
• When planting, avoid overcrowding the plants.

If your plant already has powdery mildew, follow these simple steps to stop its spread of it:

• Remove all infected parts of the plant and destroy them by tossing them into a garbage can. This will prevent further spread of the fungus. Avoid composting them.

• Spray infected plants with fungicides such as Neem Oil or Bonide Fungicide Fungonil W/Daconil. Make sure to spray when temperatures are below 90 degrees. Avoid spraying during the hottest part of the day, as this will cause the plants to burn and may even kill them. Early morning or late evening is the best time. Make sure to follow all directions on the bottle.