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Aloe vera · Aloe variegata

Why does my Aloe vera have spots on its leaves?

It is less common for an Aloe vera to develop spots, which usually points to fungal issues or physical damage rather than pests. Check your watering schedule first to see if the soil is staying damp for too long.

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spots on a plant
Photo: Scot Nelson, CC0

Check these first

  1. Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger 2 inches deep.
  2. Inspect the spots to see if they are soft or mushy.
  3. Look for any signs of insects on the underside of the leaves.

Likely causes

  1. Fungal Leaf Spot

    Possible

    How to tell: You will see small, dark brown or black circular spots that may have a yellow halo around them. These often appear when the plant stays wet for extended periods.

    What to do: Remove the affected leaves with a clean, sharp knife to stop the spread. Move your plant to a spot with better air circulation and ensure you only water when the soil is completely dry.

  2. Sunburn

    Possible

    How to tell: The spots appear as bleached, tan, or reddish patches on the side of the plant facing the light. This happens if the plant was moved into direct sun too quickly.

    What to do: Gradually acclimate your plant to brighter light over 2 weeks. If the damage is severe, move it to a location with bright, indirect light instead.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your aloe vera

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 or turning into soft, rotting patches. Small, dry scars from past physical damage are normal and do not require action.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the leaves dry when watering and ensure your potting mix is well draining.

Aloe vera: spots? Check yours with a photo

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

Can I use a fungicide on my Aloe?
It is usually better to fix the cultural conditions like airflow and watering. Fungicides are rarely needed if you keep the plant dry.
Are these spots contagious to my other plants?
If it is a fungal infection, it can spread through water droplets. Keep the affected plant away from others until it recovers.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Aloe vera

Back to the Aloe vera 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.