Can I save a leaf with a spot on it?

It is safer to remove it. Once fungal spots appear, they rarely heal and can spread to healthy parts of the plant.

Does high humidity cause these spots?

High humidity is fine if there is good airflow. Stagnant, damp air is what encourages the mold to grow.

Purple cyclamen: spots, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of the leaves for fuzzy growth.
Check if the soil surface is staying wet for more than 10 days.
Observe if water is pooling in the center of the plant.

Likely causes

Grey mold
Most likely
How to tell: You will see fuzzy grey patches on the leaves or stems, often accompanied by mushy spots. It thrives when the plant stays wet for too long.
What to do: Remove all affected leaves immediately to stop the spread. Improve airflow around the plant and ensure you water only the soil, never the leaves.
Water splash damage
Possible
How to tell: This is less common for this plant, but it usually happens when cold water hits the leaves and causes small, discolored circular marks. Check if you are accidentally splashing the foliage during your watering routine.
What to do: Use a narrow spout watering can to direct water straight to the soil line. Keep the leaves dry at all times to prevent these marks from forming.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your purple cyclamen

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 or turning into soft rot, your plant is in danger. A few tiny, dry spots are usually just cosmetic.

Stopping it coming back

Water at the base of the plant and keep the environment well ventilated.

Purple cyclamen: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your purple cyclamen 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

Can I save a leaf with a spot on it?: It is safer to remove it. Once fungal spots appear, they rarely heal and can spread to healthy parts of the plant.
Does high humidity cause these spots?: High humidity is fine if there is good airflow. Stagnant, damp air is what encourages the mold to grow.

Guides to these causes

Gray Mold

Why are there spots on my Cyclamen purpurascens leaves?