White spots on my Peppermint Plant. Don't think it is rust.

Petaling Jaya, Malaysia

My peppermint plant has white spots on the leaves. It is not rust and am pretty sure not mildew. Have been comparing pictures on Google against what I have and came up with nothing. The spots are actually circles of white. It is not being eaten thru. No dust particles. Attached are images. Could anyone shed some light please? Thanks in advance.

Thumbnail by khooleo Thumbnail by khooleo
Prairieville, LA(Zone 9a)

Have you checked the underside of the leaves for spider mites? They suck sap from the leaves and the result is a silvery/white circular spot. Also leafhoppers will do the same .

http://mygarden.rhs.org.uk/forums/t/30576.aspx

http://www.helpfulgardener.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=15967

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=73748110

Petaling Jaya, Malaysia

I saw the links you gave howl. The pics are not the same. I usually get spider mites on my broad leaf mint. Those are white splotches more than spots and the telltale webbing. Did you see the pics I posted? Looks like water droplet marks.

Prairieville, LA(Zone 9a)

I didn't want to say Oh, just water spotting without giving you the possible other causes. Sometime mineral deposits in water and fertilizer will create spots like that. Have you tried wiping the spots away or rinsing the leaves? That would be my start place if no pests are visible.

Petaling Jaya, Malaysia

So there is such a thing. Initially tried wiping but to no avail. Never came across such a thing. My guess is peppermint oil being stronger than regular mint reacts with the water droplets. Well no leaf curling or browning so I will just have to live with it. Pity as I was going to give some pots away to relatives but with the spots they don't look so presentable. Thanks neways.

Prairieville, LA(Zone 9a)

The only other thing I can figure out, is that it may be sunscald...that happens when small water droplets stay on the leaves in full sun...sort of like sunburn...Sorry I could not be of more help.

Brayton, IA(Zone 5a)

I found a few on the seedlings I have been growing as well, no bugs but I have been using peroxide when I water so I thought that might have been a possibility but I am a newbie. I don't know if you are or not Khooleo.

Prairieville, LA(Zone 9a)

Peroxide would leave a bit of residue behind.

Petaling Jaya, Malaysia

Confirmed water splotches, or as howl calls it 'sun scald'. Have removed both my pots from direct sunlight and the spots have not appeared anymore. Also in the shade my leaves grow quite big. Great fro my next harvest of mead infusion. Cheers to howl and iowaG.

Prairieville, LA(Zone 9a)

Happy to be of assistance...Moon

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
BACK TO TOP