Should I use a fungicide?

Usually, you do not need one. Simply removing the infected leaves and improving airflow is enough to manage the problem.

Will the spots go away?

No, the damaged tissue will not heal. You should remove those leaves so the plant can focus its energy on new, healthy growth.

Black Bryony: spots, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of the leaves for fungal spores.
Check if the spots are spreading rapidly after a rainy spell.
Look for signs of poor airflow around the vine.

Likely causes

Fungal Leaf Spot
Most likely
How to tell: You will see small, dark, or circular spots that may have a yellow halo around them. These often appear after periods of high humidity or heavy rain.
What to do: Remove and destroy all affected leaves immediately to stop the spread. Improve air circulation around the plant by thinning out nearby vegetation. Avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry.
Water Splashing
Possible
How to tell: Spots appear as irregular, brown marks that look like soil debris or water damage. These usually show up on lower leaves first.
What to do: Water the soil directly at the base of the plant rather than spraying the leaves. Apply a layer of mulch around the base to prevent soil from splashing up during rain.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your black bryony

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

Worry if the spots are covering more than half the leaf surface or if the entire vine is wilting. A few spots on older leaves during a wet season are normal.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the foliage dry and ensure your plant has plenty of space for air to move around it.

Black Bryony: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your black bryony 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

Should I use a fungicide?: Usually, you do not need one. Simply removing the infected leaves and improving airflow is enough to manage the problem.
Will the spots go away?: No, the damaged tissue will not heal. You should remove those leaves so the plant can focus its energy on new, healthy growth.

Guides to these causes

Leaf Spot

Why are there spots on my Black Bryony leaves?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your black bryony?