Can I wash the spots off?

If it is powdery mildew, you can wipe it off, but the fungus remains on the leaf. It is better to treat the plant with a fungicide or neem oil.

Are these spots contagious to other plants?

Yes, fungal spores can travel through the air to nearby plants. It is best to isolate the vine if you notice heavy spotting.

Chocolate vine: spots, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the leaves for white, powdery dust.
Check if the plant is crowded by other vegetation.
Look for dark, sunken lesions on the foliage.

Likely causes

Powdery mildew
Most likely
How to tell: You will see a white, dusty fungal growth covering the surface of the leaves. It often happens when the air is stagnant and humidity is high.
What to do: Improve air circulation by pruning back crowded stems. Apply a neem oil spray or a mixture of one tablespoon of baking soda in a gallon of water to the affected areas once a week.
Leaf spot disease
Most likely
How to tell: These appear as dark, irregular patches that may have a yellow halo around them. They often develop after periods of heavy rain or overhead watering.
What to do: Remove and dispose of any infected leaves immediately to stop the spread. Avoid watering the foliage directly and ensure the vine has enough space for air to move through the vines.

Find out what's wrong with your chocolate vine

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

You should worry if the spots are spreading rapidly to new growth or causing significant leaf drop. A few isolated spots on older leaves are usually not a major threat.

Stopping it coming back

Water at the base of the plant to keep leaves dry and prune regularly to maintain good airflow.

Keep your chocolate vine 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.

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Questions people ask

Can I wash the spots off?: If it is powdery mildew, you can wipe it off, but the fungus remains on the leaf. It is better to treat the plant with a fungicide or neem oil.
Are these spots contagious to other plants?: Yes, fungal spores can travel through the air to nearby plants. It is best to isolate the vine if you notice heavy spotting.

Why does my chocolate vine have spots on its leaves?