Check these first
- Inspect the spots to see if they are soft or mushy.
- Check the soil to see if it is damp or completely dry.
- Look for signs of pests near the spots.
Likely causes
Fungal Leaf Spot
PossibleHow 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.
Sunburn
PossibleHow 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.
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
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
- Why is my Mountain Aloe rotting at the base?
- What are these strange growths on my Mountain Aloe?
- Why is my Mountain Aloe getting so tall and thin?
- Why are my Aloe marlothii leaves turning yellow?
- Why are my Aloe marlothii leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my Aloe marlothii drooping?
- Why is my Aloe marlothii not flowering?
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.

