Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Examine the spots to see if they are fuzzy or dry.
- Check if the plant is crowded by other plants.
- Observe if the spots are only on the leaves facing the sun.
Likely causes
Fungal leaf spot
Most likelyHow to tell: Small brown or black spots appear on the leaves, sometimes with a yellow halo.
What to do: Remove and dispose of the infected leaves to stop the spread. Improve air circulation around the plant by thinning out nearby foliage.
Sun scorch
PossibleHow to tell: Irregular brown patches appear on the leaves that get the most direct sun.
What to do: Provide more shade for the plant, especially during the afternoon. Ensure the soil stays moist so the plant can handle the heat.
Find out what's wrong with your bugbane
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.
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When to worry
Worry if the spots are spreading rapidly to new growth. A few minor spots are normal and rarely threaten the life of the plant.
Stopping it coming back
Water at the base of the plant rather than overhead to keep the leaves dry.
Keep your bugbane healthy from here
Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Should I use a fungicide?
- Usually, you do not need one. Simply removing the affected leaves and improving airflow is enough to manage the problem.
- Can I compost the spotted leaves?
- It is better to throw them in the trash. Composting them might spread the fungus back into your garden.
More problems with Bugbane
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.