Check these first
- Examine the spots for fuzzy growth.
- Check if the leaves are staying wet after watering.
- Inspect the plant for aphids.
Likely causes
Fungal Infection
PossibleHow to tell: Small dark or discolored spots appear on the leaves, often with a yellow halo.
What to do: Remove the affected leaves to prevent the spread of fungus. Improve air circulation around the plant by spacing it away from other plants.
Watering on Leaves
PossibleHow to tell: Spots appear exactly where water droplets sat on the leaf surface for a long time.
What to do: Water at the base of the plant rather than overhead. If you must water from above, do it in the morning so the leaves dry quickly.
Find out what's wrong with your love lies bleeding
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
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When to worry
Worry if the spots are spreading rapidly or turning into large patches of rot. Small, isolated spots are usually not a threat to the plant.
Stopping it coming back
Water at the soil level and ensure the plant has plenty of space for air to move around.
Love lies bleeding: spots? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your love lies bleeding 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
- Are these spots contagious?
- If the spots are fungal, they can spread to other leaves or plants. Isolate the affected plant until it looks healthy again.
- Can I use a fungicide?
- You can use a mild organic fungicide if the spots continue to spread. Always follow the instructions on the label carefully.
More problems with Love lies bleeding
- Why is my Love lies bleeding drooping?
- Why are there bugs on my Love lies bleeding?
- Why is my Love lies bleeding plant wilting and rotting?
- Why is my Love lies bleeding growing tall and thin?
- Why is my Love lies bleeding not producing tassels?
- Why are my Love lies bleeding leaves turning yellow?
- Why are my Love lies bleeding tips turning brown?
- Why is my Love lies bleeding dropping its leaves?
- Why are my Amaranthus caudatus leaves curling?
Back to the Love lies bleeding 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.

