What is the white stuff on my gardenia?

​Erysiphe polygoni​ is a fungus that can cause powdery mildew on gardenias. Gardenias can become susceptible to powdery mildew in the summer, and infection peaks in late summer. Although the spots or patches of powdery mildew may appear white to grayish, the fungal growth can darken.

What causes white powder on plant leaves?

Powdery mildew is one of the most commonly occurring plant problems. 1 It is a fungal disease that affects plant leaves and stems, coating them in what looks like a white or gray powder-like substance. In severe cases, powdery mildew can even spread to the buds, flowers, and fruits of plants.

What is wrong with my gardenia bush?

Common Diseases of Gardenia. Proper watering and pruning further helps to keep gardenia plant diseases in check. Among the most common diseases of gardenia are root rot, powdery mildew, stem canker and bud drop. Treating gardenia problems like these is a task most gardeners can handle.

What to do about powdery spots on Gardenia leaves?

The only way to get rid of the powdery mildew spots is to spray your gardenia leaves with a folia fungicide. Never spray water directly onto your plant when powdery mildew is present.

Why are leaves on my gardenia plant turning white?

Unlike other fungal diseases, standing water isn’t necessary for powdery mildew spores to germinate, but they can’t survive without constantly humid conditions. Powdery mildew causes a distinct white, fuzzy or powdery coating on leaves and deformation of new growth.

What kind of fungus is on my gardenias?

Gardenias often develop a white fungus known as powdery mildew. Powdery mildew most often affects young succulent growth, causing damage to the health and appearance of infected gardenias. Powdery mildew is host specific, but causes similar symptoms in all infected plants.

What kind of leaves do Gardenia bushes have?

by Leaf Group. Gardenia (Gardenia augusta, G. Jasminoides) also known as Cape Jasmine is a shrub that is best grown in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 7b to 10. The bush blooms fragrant white flowers with evergreen leaves.