Trouble with mint plant

9 years ago

Hi -
I have a mint plant that was previously thriving, but in recent weeks a lot of the leaves have been turning brown and dying. It also has had a white powder that almost looks like dust (but isn't) collecting/growing on most of the leaves. I tried washing them off, but it comes back. It also seems to be growing on the side of the pot (see the picture). I had thought powdery mildew potentially (and that I should try neem oil), but was told powdery mildew was unlikely for mint, especially because the air inside isn't particularly moist. I'm in New England, but it sits on a south-facing windowsill and gets plenty of sun as well as being kept fairly warm.
Any thoughts on what it is and what I should do?

Featured Answer

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7

9 years ago

Powdery mildew absolutely affects mint and is not uncommon on plants grown inside the home.

Unlike other fungal disorders, PM does not require moisture in order to thrive or spread. The stuff on the pot is completely different, probably the residue of mineral salts buildup seeping through the pores of the terra cotta.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

User
9 years ago
it does much better outside in the ground as long as it's hardy to where you live!
Related Professionals
Fort Myers Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Kissimmee Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Asheville Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · San Antonio Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · San Marcos Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Sheboygan Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Riverside Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Augusta Landscape Contractors · Richmond Landscape Contractors · College Station Landscape Contractors · Salt Lake City Landscape Contractors · Paducah Architects & Building Designers · Roanoke Architects & Building Designers · Amherst Architects & Building Designers · Saint Cloud Architects & Building Designers
Nick O
Original Author
9 years ago
Great - thank you! I'll look into solutions for powdery mildew!
floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
9 years ago
It looks light starved as well as diseased. Is there nowhere you can put it outdoors?
Nick O
Original Author
9 years ago
Unfortunately I live in an apartment building so I don't have anywhere outdoors I could plant it. It is in a south-facing window though, so it gets probably 6-8 hours of direct sun a day. I think I may not have been watering it quite enough too, so that may be contributing to the problem...
floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
9 years ago
In the wild mints are mostly plants of damp areas so they do need sufficient water. They're not Mediterranean sub shrubs like many other herbs. It might also not like the heat of a S facing window. It needs the light but not the high temps.
Nick O thanked floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
miscel
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
rhizo is right about the white substance outside the pot. I have them on my pots.

Looking at the dried stems and leaves, is it possible that your mint needs more water? My mint looks patchy like that when I forget to water. Like you, I have my mint by a south-facing window. It does well there as long as I remember to water