What to do about mildew (white leaves)?

If you notice white spots on the leaves of your plants, it could be mildew. This is a type of fungus that attacks the leaves and causes white spots on them. If you notice a mildew infestation, you should react quickly to stop the fungus spreading to other plants.

Mildew is a fungal disease that shows up as a whitish, floury coating on plants and is encouraged above all by high humidity and moderate temperatures. Powdery mildew grows on the surface, while downy mildew can penetrate the inside of the plant.
As soon as you spot this coating on the leaves, you should act as quickly as possible to prevent it spreading.

To prevent a mildew infestation, you can take the following steps if you detect it in time:

1) First remove the affected leaves

2) Mildew thrives in a damp microclimate. It is therefore important to air the room regularly to ensure adequate air exchange.

3) Mix a teaspoon of baking powder with a litre of water and spray the plant with it. The baking powder raises the pH value on the leaf surface, which is unfavourable for the fungus.

1. Frequency: Spray the baking powder solution onto the basil plant once a week. It is important not to overdo the application, as applying it too often can damage the plant.
2. Duration of treatment: Continue the weekly application until there are no more signs of mildew. It can take a few weeks for the mildew to disappear completely.
3. How to apply: Make sure both the top and the underside of the leaves are sprayed evenly. The solution should completely cover the affected areas.
4. Concentration: The recommended mixture is one teaspoon of baking powder to one litre of water. Solutions that are too strong can damage the plant.
5. Observation: Monitor the plant after each application. If you notice signs of damage or burning on the leaves, reduce the frequency or the concentration of the solution.
6. Precaution: Since baking powder can also be stressful for the plant, it is advisable to test the solution on a small area of the plant first before spraying it completely.

Unfortunately a mildew infestation can never be prevented 100%, as it can be triggered by many external circumstances and the spores are present in the room air. If you notice that the infestation is spreading and the measure isn't working, it is advisable to dispose of all affected plants and clean the plant boxes and individual parts.