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Ti Plant · Cordyline fruticosa

Why does my Ti Plant have spots on its leaves?

Spots on your Ti Plant foliage are often a sign of a fungal issue caused by excess moisture. High humidity combined with poor airflow is usually the culprit. Check the undersides of your leaves for signs of trouble.

Check these first

  1. Look for spots on the undersides of the leaves.
  2. Check if the soil is staying wet for more than 10 days.
  3. Ensure the plant is not crowded by other plants.

Likely causes

  1. Fungal leaf spot

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see brown or black spots with yellow halos on the leaves. These spots may grow larger if the plant stays wet for too long.

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

  2. Overwatering

    Possible

    How to tell: The leaves develop soft, dark spots and the soil stays soggy. This creates the perfect environment for fungal growth.

    What to do: Let the top few centimeters of soil dry out completely before watering again. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so the roots do not sit in water.

When to worry

If spots are spreading rapidly across the entire plant, it is a serious infection that requires immediate pruning and isolation.

Stopping it coming back

Water at the base of the plant instead of overhead, and keep the leaves dry.

Not sure which one it is? Photograph your ti plant.

This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf 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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Questions people ask

Can I use a fungicide?
You can use a copper-based fungicide if the infection is persistent. However, improving airflow and watering habits is usually more effective.
Is this contagious to my other plants?
Yes, fungal spores can spread through the air or water splashes. Keep the infected plant away from your healthy ones until it recovers.

More problems with Ti Plant

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This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.