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Elephant Ear · Colocasia

What are these spots on my Elephant Ear leaves?

It is less common for Colocasia to get spots unless they are dealing with fungal issues caused by poor air circulation. Check the undersides of the leaves for pests or signs of moisture buildup first.

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spots on a plant
Photo: Scot Nelson, CC0

Check these first

  1. Look closely at the undersides of the leaves for webbing or tiny moving dots.
  2. Check if the leaves stay wet for long periods after watering.
  3. Ensure there is enough space between this plant and others for air to move.

Likely causes

  1. Fungal Leaf Spot

    Possible

    How to tell: Small, dark, or water-soaked spots appear on the leaves, often with a yellow halo around them.

    What to do: Remove the affected leaves immediately to stop the spread. Improve air circulation around the plant and avoid getting water on the leaves when you water.

  2. Spider Mites

    Possible

    How to tell: Tiny yellow or white stippling dots appear on the leaves, often accompanied by fine webbing.

    What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the pests. Spray the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap once a week for 3 weeks.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your elephant ear

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

A few small spots are manageable, but if they are spreading rapidly across the whole plant, it needs immediate attention. It is normal to see slight imperfections on older leaves.

Stopping it coming back

Water at the base of the plant instead of over the leaves and keep the plant in a well-ventilated area.

Elephant Ear: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your elephant ear 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

Are these spots contagious to my other plants?
If the spots are fungal, they can spread through water droplets or air. It is best to isolate the plant until it is healthy again.
Can I use leaf shine on these spots?
Avoid using leaf shine products, as they can clog the pores of the leaves and make the spots worse.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Elephant Ear

Back to the Elephant Ear 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.