Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Inspect the undersides of the leaves for orange dust.
- Ensure the plant has enough space for air to move around it.
- Stop watering from above to keep leaves dry.
Likely causes
Rust Fungus
Most likelyHow to tell: Small, raised brown or orange pustules appear on the undersides of the leaves.
What to do: Remove and destroy the infected leaves immediately to stop the spread. Improve air circulation by spacing your plants further apart and avoid overhead watering.
Leaf Spot Disease
PossibleHow to tell: Dark brown or black circular spots with yellow halos appear on the foliage.
What to do: Apply a copper based fungicide according to the package instructions. Keep the foliage dry by watering only at the base of the plant.
Find out what's wrong with your china pink
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
Small spots can be managed, but if the entire plant is covered in rust, it may be best to remove it to protect your other plants. A few tiny spots are common after heavy rain.
Stopping it coming back
Water at the soil level only and ensure your plants have plenty of room for airflow.
China pink: spots? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your china pink 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
- Is rust contagious?
- Yes, fungal spores can easily spread to nearby plants through water splashes or wind. Isolate the affected plant right away.
- Should I cut off all the spotted leaves?
- If the plant is small, remove the worst leaves. If the infection is severe, it is better to remove the whole plant to prevent the fungus from settling in the soil.
Guides to these causes
More problems with China pink
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.