Most houseplants usually make a bold statement in any space or room. Every plant owner has the mandate to undertake the ultimate plant care regime to enjoy the tropical vibe.
But most indoor plants are more vulnerable to issues regardless of your care routine. Black spots on plant leaves and stems are uncommon problems.
Don’t panic when you notice tiny black dots plant. Consider inspecting and examining the houseplant to identify the root cause of the problem.
Black spots on houseplant leaves occur due to pest infestation, fungal diseases, physical damage, misting, lack of humidity, sunburn, root rot, dehydration, and more.
Keep reading this article to learn the home remedies for black spots on plants. You’ll also get to know how these issues result in black spots on houseplant stems and leaves.
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10 Causes of the Black Spots on Houseplant Leaves
Root Rot Issue
The problem occurs due to overwatering the houseplant. Most indoor plants do not thrive in soggy and waterlogged soil.
The damp condition usually facilitates root rot issues. The roots end up becoming mushy and smelly. The condition later limits the roots from undertaking their functions.
You’ll notice your houseplant leaves turning yellow and brown. If the root condition is severe, black spots will begin to form on the stems and leaves.
I recommend unpotting the houseplant and examine roots. If the roots have brown patches and expel a foul smell, it’s a sign of a root rot problem.
Snip off the affected roots with a pair of sterilized scissors. Re-pot the houseplant to a fresh potting mix and container with drainage holes at the bottom.
Re-evaluate your plant care regime to experience better growth and development of stunning foliages. Get also to know the water requirement for your houseplant species.
Inconsistent Watering Habits
Proper houseplant hydration facilitates the development of beautiful leaves. Water helps the indoor plant to undertake their physiological activities.
But inconsistent watering routine may result in plant dehydration. The houseplant leaves begin drooping and curling to help in water conservation.
If the incongruent watering habit persists, black spots on leaves and stems will be the final cry. The condition will deter your houseplants from bringing tropical vibes.
Be sure to check the soil moisture level to take appropriate action. If the soil is dry, consider watering the houseplant as per its requirement.
Water the indoor plants twice or thrice a month during summer and spring. Reduce the watering frequency during winter since most houseplants are in a dormancy state.
Fungal Infection
Most indoor plants are dramatic and require an ultimate care regime. Sudden black spots on houseplant stems and leaves are due to fungal infection.
Keep in mind that some houseplants are less susceptible to leaf spots than others. But black spot fungus treatment is the same for all the plants.
These fungal pathogens thrive in wet conditions and spread through water splashes. Wet leaves are more vulnerable to fungal infection (leaf spots).
Consider watering the plant from the base rather than the top to avoid fungal infection on the leaves and stems. You should also avoid misting the leaves when humidity is low.
Remove the affected leaves and discard them. Use a horticultural fungicide to help in the treatment of the leaf spots. Remember to isolate the affected houseplant from others.
Bacterial and Viral Infection
Bacterial and viral diseases usually manifest on houseplant leaves as tiny black dots. But the severity of the black dots on plants is less when compared to fungal infection.
Keep in mind that some indoor plant species are resistant to bacterial and viral diseases. Stressed and weak houseplants are more vulnerable to the conditions.
Chemicals for black spot treatment on plants are less effective. The rule of thumb is to isolate the affected plant and remove the leaves with black spots.
Improve the houseplant sanitation and sterilize the leaves with rubbing alcohol. It will help to eliminate the bacteria and viruses causing the black spots.
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Pest Infestation
Insect infestation is the leading cause of black spots on houseplant leaves. The most common pests are aphids, spider mites, thrips, scales, gnats, and mealybugs. (Sources: University of California).
These tiny creatures usually attack the plant leaves and stems. Frequent leaves piercing when sucking cell-sap is the reason behind the formation of black spots.
The black spots on plant leaves are signs of healing. But these dark dots usually make your houseplant ugly.
Use a hand lens to examine the leaves and identify the responsible insect. Most of these pests have different colors and colonization mechanisms.
Spray the entire houseplant with a reputable insecticide to eliminate the pests. Start trimming the affected leaves to create room for new growths.
Direct Sunlight Exposure
Most indoor plants love medium to bright indirect sunlight. The condition usually mimics their native habitat to foster better growth.
Prolong direct sunlight will scorch and damage the leaves. Sunburn can also result in leaf fading and the formation of brown splotches on the leaf surfaces.
The best solution is to relocate the houseplant from their current area. It will save the houseplant leaves from sunburn issues.
Water Quality
Houseplant leaves are more prone to discoloration due to water quality. Tap water contains chemical compounds that might damage your plant leaves.
Consider watering your houseplant using distilled water or rainwater. It is the best way of avoiding black spots on houseplant leaves.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Houseplants aren’t heavy feeders like their outdoor counterparts. But these plants need fertilizer for nourishment and better growth.
Insufficient nutrients will make the houseplant leaves start spotting. Most of these dots on the leaves are usually black, yellow, or brown.
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In Conclusion
Black spots on houseplant leaves are a rare phenomenon. But that does not imply that indoor plants are less vulnerable to this leaf problem.
There are several causes of black spots on plant leaves. The most common are fungal infection, overwatering, under-watering, pest infestations, bacterial and viral diseases.
Other minor causes are cold drafts, low humidity, water quality, sunburn, and nutritional deficiencies. You can only fix these issues by observing the ultimate plant care routine.
