Skip to content
Pocket Botanist
Get the app

Lace Aloe · Aloe aristata

Why does my Lace Aloe have spots on its leaves?

It is less common for this plant to develop spots, which usually happen due to fungal issues from high humidity or water sitting in the leaf rosettes. Check your plant for signs of moisture trapped between the leaves first.

Not sure it's this? Check a photo of your plant for free

spots on a plant
Photo: Scot Nelson, CC0

Check these first

  1. Inspect the leaves for signs of moisture or rot.
  2. Check the location to see if it receives harsh afternoon sun.
  3. Feel the soil to ensure it is completely dry.

Likely causes

  1. Fungal leaf spot

    Possible

    How to tell: You will see small, dark, or sunken circular spots on the leaves that may spread if the air is stagnant. This occurs when the plant stays damp for too long.

    What to do: Remove the affected leaves with clean shears to stop the spread. Move your 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 appear as bleached or brown patches on the leaves that were directly exposed to harsh afternoon sun. The tissue feels dry and brittle to the touch.

    What to do: Move the plant to a location with bright, indirect light or soft morning sun. Trim away only the severely damaged parts if they are unsightly.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your lace 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.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

When to worry

Be concerned if the spots are soft, mushy, or spreading rapidly across the entire plant. A single small brown mark on an older leaf is usually just normal aging.

Stopping it coming back

Always water at the base of the plant rather than over the top, and keep the plant in a well ventilated area.

Lace Aloe: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your lace 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.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Should I mist my Lace Aloe to keep it hydrated?
No, you should never mist this plant. Misting creates the exact humid conditions that lead to fungal spots and rot.
Can I use a fungicide on these spots?
It is rarely necessary. Improving airflow and keeping the leaves dry is much more effective than applying chemicals.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Lace Aloe

Back to the Lace 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.