Leafspots on orchid leaves

Leafspots on orchid leaves

Updated: March 13, 2023

Symptoms of a fungal disease on indoor plants

  • There are many species of fungi that can cause leaf spots on houseplants.

  • Symptoms often include many tan to reddish brown to black roughly circular spots or lesions that may run together to cause large irregular shaped lesions or blighting of the entire leaf.

  • If the leaf spots attack the newest leaves near the top of the plant the growing point may be killed.

  • Leaf spots can enlarge and grow onto branches and stems.

  • Severe infections often cause extensive leaf drop and dieback.

Leafspot on tuberous begonia
Leafspot on tuberous begonia
Fungal leafspot on the leaf of a prayer plant
Fungal leafspot on the leaf of a prayer plant

Management strategies

  • Individual leaves with spots can be picked off and destroyed.

  • Any method that will lower the humidity, decrease leaf wetness or increase air circulation will help to lessen the chances of infection.

  • Watering should be done early in the day to allow leaf surfaces time to dry quickly.

  • Space plants so that air can circulate between them to help reduce moisture.

  • Registered fungicides labeled for houseplants can be used, but in most home conditions, removal of infected plant parts and adjustment of environmental conditions to drier conditions should help.