Can I cut the brown spots off?

Yes, you can trim the brown parts with clean scissors. Just try to follow the natural shape of the leaf.

Are these spots a sign of pests?

Sometimes. Check the undersides of the leaves for tiny webs or moving dots just to be sure.

Song of India: spots, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check if you are using tap water.
Look for signs of pests like spider mites.
Ensure the leaves are not staying wet.

Likely causes

Fluoride sensitivity
Most likely
How to tell: You will see brown or yellow spots on the leaf tips and edges. This happens because the plant is sensitive to chemicals found in tap water.
What to do: Switch to using filtered, distilled, or rainwater for your plant. This prevents the buildup of minerals that cause these spots.
Fungal leaf spot
Possible
How to tell: Small, dark, or circular spots appear on the leaves, often with a yellow halo. This usually happens if the leaves stay wet for too long after misting or cleaning.
What to do: Remove the affected leaves to stop the spread. Improve air circulation around the plant and avoid getting water on the foliage when you water.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your song of india

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 spreading rapidly across the entire plant. A few small spots on older leaves are usually nothing to stress about.

Stopping it coming back

Water with filtered water and keep the leaves dry. Good airflow prevents fungal issues from taking hold.

Song of India: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your song of india 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 cut the brown spots off?: Yes, you can trim the brown parts with clean scissors. Just try to follow the natural shape of the leaf.
Are these spots a sign of pests?: Sometimes. Check the undersides of the leaves for tiny webs or moving dots just to be sure.

Guides to these causes

Leaf Spot

Why does my Song of India have spots on its leaves?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your song of india?