Can I save a leaf with spots?

If the spot is small, you can leave it, but it is safer to remove the leaf if the spot looks like a fungal infection. This prevents spores from spreading.

Are these spots contagious?

Fungal spots can spread to other leaves or nearby plants through water splashes. Keep the plant isolated until the spots stop appearing.

Flowering Maple: spots, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check if the leaves are staying wet after watering.
Look at the placement of the plant to see if it gets harsh afternoon sun.
Examine the spots to see if they are fuzzy or just discolored.

Likely causes

Fungal Leaf Spot
Most likely
How to tell: You will see dark or tan circular spots on the leaves, sometimes with a yellow halo. This happens when leaves stay wet for too long.
What to do: Remove the affected leaves immediately to stop the spread. Improve airflow around the plant and always water at the base to keep the foliage dry.
Sunburn
Possible
How to tell: The spots look like bleached or scorched patches on the leaves that receive the most direct light. This happens if the plant is moved into harsh afternoon sun too quickly.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot with bright indirect light. If you want to give it more sun, do it gradually over 2 weeks.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your flowering maple

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

If the spots are spreading quickly or causing leaves to fall, take action immediately. A single spot on an old leaf is usually nothing to worry about.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the foliage dry when watering and ensure the plant has plenty of space for air to circulate. Proper light placement prevents heat stress.

Flowering Maple: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your flowering maple and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Can I save a leaf with spots?: If the spot is small, you can leave it, but it is safer to remove the leaf if the spot looks like a fungal infection. This prevents spores from spreading.
Are these spots contagious?: Fungal spots can spread to other leaves or nearby plants through water splashes. Keep the plant isolated until the spots stop appearing.

Guides to these causes

Leaf Spot

What are these spots on my flowering maple leaves?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your flowering maple?