How to Get Rid of Powdery Mildew
About Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal infection that covers surfaces of plants. This fungus can dry out your plants leaves and cause brown and yellow coloration. There are some ways to get rid of powdery mildew on plants. This step-by-step guide will walk you through identification, treatment, and prevention of powdery mildew.
Identification
Powdery mildew is generally easy to identify, it lives among leaf surfaces and stems. It has a yellow pale color and it spreads very fast, so it's important to identify this fungal infection before it's too late. Sometimes a powdery mildew infection is misdiagnosed for nutrient deficiencies or leaf spot.
Accessing Plant Health For Powdery Mildew Damage
Plant’s stems and leaves may look weak.
Yellowing and browning leaves.
Stunted growth
Treatment
There are a few methods for getting rid of powdery mildew on plants. Our guide will provide an example for each method.
The Baking Soda Method: grab spray bottom and add 1 qt (32 oz.) of water and a tablespoon of baking soda. Spray the infected areas all around the plant. Baking soda is known to kill powdery mildew on first contact.
Fungicides: if you have not had success with the baking soda method, try using a fungicide to get rid of powdery mildew. You can get this at most department stores and local nurseries. Always use caution when using fungicides and wear protective equipment.
WARNING: some pesticides and fungicides are known to be toxic if ingested, absorbed through the skin, or inhaled. It may cause moderate eye or skin irritation. Always read labels of the products you are using the proper safety equipment.
Prevention
Each week you should check all of your plants for common warning signs to prevent unwanted fungal diseases like, powdery mildew, from killing your houseplants. Some ways to prevent powdery mildew is to bottom water, prune infected leaves, and limit the amount of moisture in the air.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Generally, powdery mildew is not a threat to humans. But when treating any pest or disease on houseplants protective equipment should always be used.
-
This is a tricky one. Yes, bleach is a great option for killing powdery mildew. Although, you should never use bleach on plants.
-
Yes, neem oil is a good option for preventing the spread and eliminating powdery mildew.
-
Yes, mixing apple cider vinegar mixed with a gallon of water can treat powdery mildew. Most experts find the baking soda method the most effective.