Powdery Mildew?

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Petunia
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Joined: Wed Apr 22, 2020 9:37 am
Location: Norfolk coast

The photos (not sure if I can post 4?) are of my lemon balm and black peppermint. Both have this white powdery ‘dust’ on them, leaves and stems, the peppermint plant is more affected but I’m worried the balm will go the same way.

I’ve kept them away from each other and my other plants because I’ve heard that it can spread? I’ve tried a spray of water with a little milk in it (read it somewhere) but that doesn’t seem to have done anything. Is there something else that I can try that will rid the plants of whatever this is?
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sally wright
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Milk and water is a prevention - not a cure. They are infected now and it will only get worse.

What you need to do now is - and I know it sounds drastic - is cut off the tops and get rid of them. There is still time for these plants to re-grow from the base and this should be disease free (hopefully). Try to keep the plants in a draughty spot so that it does not stay humid around the new foliage.

Regards Sally Wright.
Petunia
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Joined: Wed Apr 22, 2020 9:37 am
Location: Norfolk coast

Thank you, Sally :)

I've done the 'clip' (felt horrible, lol) so we'll see how we get on *fingers crossed*
Petunia
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Joined: Wed Apr 22, 2020 9:37 am
Location: Norfolk coast

Me again :D

This is a pic of the mint that I clipped back to nubbins a couple of weeks back. The mildew is back which is quite frustrating :roll: Is there anything else I might try so that I can save it? When it first started to grow back the leaves seemed in good condition but after a couple of inches of growth it started all over again...
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Monika
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Are you keeping the mint well watered? I think powdery mildew often affects plants which are too dry at the roots and mint is very thirsty!
Petunia
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Location: Norfolk coast

I keep the soil moist, usually watering a bit every other day. Feels moist, but not wet to the touch...
Westi
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Mint roots very easy so I wonder it you could take the non mildew stems off & put them in a glass of water until they root then plant on in new compost & disinfect your pot as well? Just a thought to get some healthy plants?
Westi
vivienz
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Perhaps a remote chance, but do you have any of those really tiny yellow/black spotted ladybirds in a greenhouse or cold frame, etc? I noticed quite a few had taken up residence and looked them up, thinking that they would be going for aphids and red spider mite, but it turns out that they eat mildew.
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