Fungal leaf spots can be caused by many different fungi and can affect many different plants. |
Symptoms: Brown spots appear on foliage. Spots could be in a target pattern (concentric rings), be bordered by red rings, or have small black dots within the dead tissue. Fungal leaf spot on palm. Photo by Plant Disease Clinic |
 |
Symptoms: Spots may have a chlorotic (yellow) halo. Fungal leaf spot on palm. Photo by Plant Disease Clinic |
 |
Fungal leaf spot on dracaena. Photo by Plant Disease Clinic |
 |
Fungal leaf spot on ivy. Photo by Chad Behrendt |
| Causal organism: | Variety of fungi |
| Method of dispersal: | On air currents or water splashes |
| Infection point: | Leaves, possibly stems |
| Control: | Isolate diseased plants. Prune out affected leaves, if possible, dipping scissors or knife in 10% bleach solution after each cut. Avoid wetting leaves. Place plants in well-ventilated areas with low humidity and provide adequate space between plants. |
| Labeled fungicides: |
Not recommended |
| Comments: | Fungal leaf spots are fairly rare on houseplants since they require moisture for infection. Leaf spots may also be caused by direct sunlight burning shade-loving plants, cold water splashing on leaves, and old age. |
| Back to Problems Affecting Multiple Hosts | Back to Houseplant Diseases |
