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Mountain Aloe · Aloe marlothii

Why does my Aloe marlothii have spots on its leaves?

It is less common for this plant to develop spots, which usually result from fungal issues caused by high humidity or poor airflow. Check the soil moisture first to ensure you are not overwatering.

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spots on a plant
Photo: Scot Nelson, CC0

Check these first

  1. Inspect the spots to see if they are soft or mushy.
  2. Check the soil to see if it is damp or completely dry.
  3. Look for signs of pests near the spots.

Likely causes

  1. Fungal Leaf Spot

    Possible

    How to tell: You will see small, dark, or sunken circular lesions on the leaves. These often appear after periods of high humidity or if water sits on the foliage.

    What to do: Trim off the heavily affected leaves with a clean, sharp blade. Move the plant to a spot with better air circulation and avoid getting water on the leaves when you irrigate.

  2. Sunburn

    Possible

    How to tell: These spots look like bleached or scorched patches that appear suddenly after moving the plant to a brighter location. The tissue may feel dry or brittle to the touch.

    What to do: Move the plant to a location with slightly less intense light for a few weeks. Gradually reintroduce it to full sun by increasing exposure by one hour every few days.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your mountain aloe

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

Be concerned if the spots are spreading rapidly or turning into soft, rotting patches. It is normal for older leaves at the base to develop minor blemishes as they age.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the foliage dry and ensure your aloe has plenty of space for air to move around it.

Mountain Aloe: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your mountain aloe 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.

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Questions people ask

Should I spray the spots with fungicide?
Usually, it is not necessary. Improving airflow and keeping the leaves dry is much more effective for this species.
Can I leave the spotted leaves on the plant?
If the spots are small and dry, you can leave them alone. If they look wet or are growing, remove the leaf to prevent spread.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Mountain Aloe

Back to the Mountain Aloe guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.