Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Remove any leaves that have visible spots.
- Check if the leaves stay wet for a long time.
- Ensure the plant has space for air to move.
Likely causes
Leaf spot fungus
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see brown or black circular spots on the leaves that may have a yellow halo.
What to do: Remove and discard all affected leaves immediately to stop the spread. Improve air circulation around the plant and avoid getting water on the foliage.
Overhead watering
PossibleHow to tell: Spots appear after you have been splashing water directly onto the leaves.
What to do: Water only at the base of the plant to keep the leaves dry. Use a watering can with a long spout to reach the soil directly.
Find out what's wrong with your carnation
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
If the spots are spreading to the stems or causing the plant to collapse, it may be a severe infection. Small, isolated spots are usually manageable with pruning.
Stopping it coming back
Water early in the morning so any accidental splashes have time to dry off during the day.
Carnation: spots? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your carnation 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
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Questions people ask
- Can I use a fungicide on my carnations?
- You can use a copper based fungicide if the spots keep returning. Always follow the label instructions carefully.
- Are these spots contagious to other plants?
- Yes, fungal spores can travel through the air or water. Keep the affected plant away from your other healthy plants until it is clear.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Carnation
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.