Understanding Plant Mildew

11/22/2019 (Permalink)

It’s natural to be alarmed when you see ugly plant mildew attacking your favorite foliage.

Despite your best efforts, your house plant is covered in white spots. What gives? Powdery plant mildew is a common bane of plant enthusiasts. And while it won’t kill your plants immediately, it can gradually diminish their health. On the bright side, the tools you need to get rid of it are likely in your kitchen. Keep reading to learn more about this fungus and how you can clear it from your Knoxville, TN, home.

What is Powdery Mildew Anyway?
Mildew is commonly mentioned alongside mold, and with good reason: They’re both fungi. Whereas mold tends to be darker and either furry or slimy, mildew often shows up as white or gray, with a powdery, almost chalk-like texture. Mildew attacking plants:

Spreads easily
Favors dry foliage
Thrives in warmth

What Are the Signs of Plant Mildew?
Spots are the telltale signs of a powdery mildew infestation. These white or gray patches may show up on the tops of leaves. The patches will they’ll spread to the underside of leaves and eventually down stems. Foliage will begin to brown and wilt as the fungus leaches nutrients from your plant.

Treating Mildew on Plants
Luckily, it’s relatively easy to get rid of mildew with basic pantry items. Mix up the baking soda and liquid soap to make a spray that can easily neutralize existing mildew and prevent new spores from growing. Plain mouthwash can also be used. Another old trick is mixing three parts of water with one part of milk and spraying leaves. Each substance has an antiseptic effect on mildew.

It’s natural to be alarmed when you see ugly plant mildew attacking your favorite foliage. But you don’t have to be intimidated. Use the above tips to erase plant fungus and consult a local garden or mold removal expert to learn what you can do to prevent mildew growth in the first place.