Paddle plant spots

by Linda Davidson
(Oceanside Ca USA)

I’m in Oceanside California. My paddle plant is about 2 yrs old. It seems to be developing spots and I have no idea why. Can you take a look and tell me what you think.

Comments for Paddle plant spots

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Mar 10, 2021
 Not Enough Info
by: Jacki Cammidge, Certified Horticulturist

I can't tell from the picture if these white spots are raised, sunken, on both sides of the leaf or just one, only on new growth, or on all ages of leaf, and what the conditions are locally.

I know in some areas of California you get a lot of fog; this could be some kind of mildew or mold from conditions that are too damp and not enough ventilation.

You need to look closer at the leaves with higher magnification - use your camera on your phone and zoom in to get better magnification. Check both sides of the leaf. See if it's got fruiting bodies which would indicate a fungal infection.

It could be caused by hail - have you had any thunderstorms within the past few months? Sometimes the damage takes a while to manifest, which makes it really difficult to pin down. The actual event could have been weeks ago, but the damage is only just becoming noticeable.

It could be an insect infestation. Check for aphid instar cases, which look like little bits of white or cream colored dandruff.

It could even be someone close by using a weed whacker, which sends the tiny pieces of plant material at high velocity to hit the plant, causing mechanical damage.

The more information the better!
Mar 10, 2021
 Paddle plant
by: Lind Davidson

Thank you. This area did experience hail twice a few weeks ago and a few foggy mornings. The spots are on both sides of the paddles. I’ve notices a few other plants with the same condition. My plants that are under the patio cover are not affected so for now I’m thinking yes it could have been the hail. Thank you for the imput 🥰
Mar 10, 2021
 Yes, hail
by: Jacki

I'm thinking that way too - if the spots look like dried out bits of damaged tissue, that would be it.

Great detective work! Maybe cover the most susceptible plants with row cover or other cover when hail threatens.

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