Can I save the leaves with spots?

It is best to remove them. Once the fungus takes hold, the leaf will not recover and will only spread spores to healthy parts of the plant.

Is this fungus dangerous to my other plants?

Yes, rust spores travel easily through the air. Keep your infected willowherb isolated until the spots are gone.

Fringed willowherb: spots, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of the leaves for orange dust or bumps.
Check if the leaves are staying wet for too long after watering.
Look for signs of overcrowding with other plants.

Likely causes

Rust fungus
Most likely
How to tell: You will see small, orange or reddish pustules on the undersides of the leaves. The leaves may eventually yellow and drop off if the infection spreads.
What to do: Remove and dispose of all infected leaves immediately to stop the spread. Improve air circulation around the plant by spacing it further from others. Avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry.
Leaf spot disease
Possible
How to tell: These spots are usually brown or black with a yellow halo around them. They appear after periods of high humidity or poor drainage.
What to do: Prune away the affected foliage to reduce the fungal load. Ensure the plant is in a spot with good airflow. Keep the soil surface clean of any fallen debris.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your fringed willowherb

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 cover more than half of the foliage or if the plant stops growing. It is normal to see a few spots on older leaves during a damp season.

Stopping it coming back

Water at the base of the plant to keep leaves dry and ensure plenty of space between plants for air to move.

Fringed willowherb: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your fringed willowherb 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.

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Questions people ask

Can I save the leaves with spots?: It is best to remove them. Once the fungus takes hold, the leaf will not recover and will only spread spores to healthy parts of the plant.
Is this fungus dangerous to my other plants?: Yes, rust spores travel easily through the air. Keep your infected willowherb isolated until the spots are gone.

Why are there orange spots on my fringed willowherb?

Check these first

Likely causes

Rust fungus

Leaf spot disease

Find out what's wrong with your fringed willowherb

When to worry

Stopping it coming back

Fringed willowherb: spots? Check yours with a photo

Questions people ask

Guides to these causes

More problems with fringed willowherb