What Causes Black Spots on House Plants?
It is very common for houseplants to develop diseases when they are growing poorly or not given proper care. The black spots on houseplants are a common fungal disease.
Leaf Spot Disease
Leaf spot disease is caused by a fungi that cause black, brown or tan spots on leaves.
Symptoms of Leaf Spot
Initially, small water-soaked spots start to appear on leaves and these gradually enlarge to resemble irregular blotches with yellow margins. In severe cases, the leaves turn yellow and die and then fall off.
Factors Causing Leaf Spot
Extreme humidity causes bacteria to enter leaves through natural openings or wounds. Once inside, the bacteria start to rot and create black spots.
Remedy
After infection sets in, nothing can be done to cure the already created spots. However you can keep the disease from spreading by keeping the leaves dry.
- Leaf spot disease is caused by a fungi that cause black, brown or tan spots on leaves.
- In severe cases, the leaves turn yellow and die and then fall off.
Precaution
Precaution is the best way to keep leaf spot from appearing or spreading. Avoid misting plants unnecessarily and keep plants in rooms where there are few chances of condensation formation on leaves. Prune the affected stems and leaves.
References
- “The Garden Primer;” Barbara Damrosch; 2008
- “Home Gardener’s Problem Solver;” Denny Schrock, Michael McKinley; 2004
Writer Bio
Irum Sarfaraz is a freelance writer with over 20 years of nonfiction writing experience in newspaper op-eds and magazine writing, book editing, translating and research writing. Sarfaraz is originally from Pakistan and has been published in both American and Pakistani newspapers and magazines. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English literature, and diplomas in nonfiction writing.
