Check these first
- Check if the leaves are staying wet after watering.
- Ensure the plant is not in a stagnant, humid corner.
- Remove any leaves that have large, spreading spots.
Likely causes
Fungal Infection
Most likelyHow to tell: Dark brown or black spots with a yellow halo around them.
What to do: Remove the affected leaves to stop the spread. Improve airflow around the plant and avoid misting the leaves.
Watering Issues
PossibleHow to tell: Spots appear after you have been splashing water on the leaves during watering.
What to do: Water at the base of the plant only. Use a watering can with a narrow spout to keep the foliage dry.
When to worry
If the spots are spreading rapidly across every leaf, the plant may need a fungicide treatment.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the leaves dry and ensure good air circulation in your home.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your chinese evergreen.
This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Should I cut off all spotted leaves?
- Yes, it is best to remove them so the plant can focus energy on healthy growth. Use clean scissors.
- Is this caused by too much light?
- No, light issues usually cause bleaching or yellowing. Spots are almost always related to moisture or pathogens.
More problems with Chinese Evergreen
Back to the Chinese Evergreen guide
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.
