If you notice powdery mildew on your indoor plants, you need to act quickly. But what exactly is leaf disease? And is there any way at all to keep the plants healthy? This article provides tips and advice.
Powdery mildew can be permanently removed with milk
What is powdery mildew?
Powdery mildew is a leaf disease caused by a fungus. A distinction is made between real and downy mildew. Although both species are similar in terms of the course of the disease and the consequences for the plant, they still have different symptoms.
Symptoms of powdery mildew
- brown, washable covering
- the upper sides of the leaves are affected
Symptoms of downy mildew
- Upper and lower leaf affected
- White coating on the leaves
- Yellow spots on the leaves
Causes of Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew occurs both outdoors and indoors. It mostly attacks weakened plants. A wrong location or wrong watering behavior are the most common care mistakes that favor an infestation. Houseplants are often too dry or grow when the humidity is too high. Before you resort to treatment products, you should therefore first check the site conditions.
treat powdery mildew
Fortunately, powdery mildew can be combated in the early stages with homemade home remedies. Never use chemical agents, even if they usually have an immediate effect. Experience has shown that home remedies require several applications, but you will not harm your plants in this way.
Manual removal
If you wipe the leaves with your finger, the coating can be removed. Slightly showering the plant can already help with a small infestation.
Homemade sprays
Mix either milk or baking soda with water and pour the solution into a spray bottle. Spray the affected houseplant with the liquid several times a week.
tips
Unfortunately, milk and baking soda only work on powdery mildew. To combat downy mildew, brew garlic or horsetail in water and apply the remedy in the same way.
beneficials
The use of beneficial insects is also possible in the home, as long as the living conditions are adapted to the species. The two-spot ladybug feeds on the fungus. You can get its larvae in specialist shops.
tips
Depending on the severity of the infestation, you should make a pruning or even a radical cut. Dispose of the affected plant parts in a tightly sealed garbage bag, but never on the compost.