Should I cut off all the spotted leaves?

Only remove leaves that are more than 50 percent damaged. Cutting off too much healthy foliage will stress the plant.

Is this a disease that will spread to my other plants?

Yes, fungal spores can travel through the air or on water droplets. Move the affected plant away from others until it recovers.

European fan palm: spots, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check if the soil is soggy or wet.
Look at the leaves to see if they stay wet after watering.
Ensure the plant is not in a corner with no airflow.

Likely causes

Fungal leaf spot
Most likely
How to tell: You will notice dark brown or black spots, sometimes with a yellow halo. These spots often appear after a period of high humidity or overhead watering.
What to do: Prune off the most heavily infected leaves to stop the spread. Improve airflow around the plant and avoid getting water on the leaves when you irrigate.
Overwatering
Possible
How to tell: The soil stays soggy for a long time, and the spots may look soft or mushy. The roots may also begin to smell sour.
What to do: Let the top 3 inches of soil dry out completely before you add more water. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your european fan palm

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.

When to worry

If the spots are spreading rapidly across the entire plant, you need to act immediately. A few small spots on older leaves are usually not a major concern.

Stopping it coming back

Water only at the base of the plant and keep the leaves dry. Ensure the palm gets plenty of bright, direct light to help it stay dry.

European fan palm: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your european fan palm 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.

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

Questions people ask

Should I cut off all the spotted leaves?: Only remove leaves that are more than 50 percent damaged. Cutting off too much healthy foliage will stress the plant.
Is this a disease that will spread to my other plants?: Yes, fungal spores can travel through the air or on water droplets. Move the affected plant away from others until it recovers.

Guides to these causes

Leaf Spot

What are these dark spots on my European fan palm?