Creeping Charlie with Leaf Spot: Prevention & Cure

Glechoma hederacea

Susceptibility: Moderate Severity: Medium Difficulty: Easy

Leaf spot is a common fungal disease caused by various pathogens including Alternaria, Ascochyta, Colletotrichum, Septoria, and Venturia. It primarily affects leaves, causing discolored spots that can lead to premature leaf drop if left untreated.

🔍 Symptoms

• Circular brown, gray, black, or yellow spots on leaves
• Spots with concentric rings or dark margins
• Yellow halo surrounding spots
• Spots may be sunken or punch through the leaf creating holes
• Heavily infected leaves may brown completely and drop prematurely
• Angular or rounded spots with smooth or fringed edges

❓ Possible Causes

→ Fungal pathogens (Alternaria, Septoria, Colletotrichum, Venturia)
→ Prolonged high humidity (12-24 hours)
→ Water splashing from rain or overhead irrigation
→ Poor air circulation between plants
→ Wet leaves for extended periods
→ Fungal spores overwintering on fallen leaves
→ Warm temperatures combined with high humidity

💊 Treatment

⚡

Quick Fixes

Remove all visibly infected leaves

Dispose in sealed plastic bag

Apply copper-based fungicide following manufacturer instructions

Cover all foliage evenly

Adjust watering practices - water only in morning at base

Avoid wetting leaves

Second fungicide application

Check if infection is controlled

Final evaluation and possible third application if needed

Most cases resolved within 2 weeks

🌿

Organic Treatment

Remove all infected leaves and dispose away from plants

Wear gloves and sanitize scissors after use

Isolate affected plant from other healthy plants

Maintain minimum 3-foot distance

Prepare neem oil spray (2 tablespoons per quart of water)

Add a few drops of liquid soap as emulsifier

Apply neem oil to all leaves (top and bottom surfaces)

Apply in evening to avoid sun scorch

Improve air circulation around plant

Prune overlapping or overly dense branches

Reapply neem oil

Repeat weekly application

Third neem oil application

Check if new spots have stopped appearing

Final evaluation

If no new spots, plant is recovering

🛡️ Prevention

✓ Remove and destroy fallen leaves before winter
✓ Avoid overhead watering and wetting foliage
✓ Maintain good air circulation through proper pruning
✓ Space plants adequately
✓ Water in the morning to allow leaf drying
✓ Apply 3-4 inch layer of mulch without touching stems
✓ Keep plants healthy with proper watering and nutrition
✓ Sanitize pruning tools regularly
✓ Remove dead or dying branches promptly

🌱 Care Guide: Creeping Charlie

💧 How to Water

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, approximately every 7 days. Avoid overwatering as this plant is susceptible to root rot. Reduce watering in winter when growth slows. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

☀️ Lighting

Prefers partial shade to medium indirect light. Avoid prolonged direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the delicate leaves. Indoors, place near a north or east-facing window. Outdoors, it thrives beautifully under tree canopies or in shaded garden beds.

🪴 Ideal Soil

Use a well-draining, loamy potting mix rich in organic matter. A blend of 2 parts potting soil, 1 part perlite, and 1 part compost works well. Slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0) is ideal. Avoid heavy clay soils that retain too much moisture.

See more: Creeping Charlie → See more: Leaf Spot →