Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Inspect the undersides of leaves for tiny webs or moving specks.
- Check if the leaves are staying wet after watering.
- Look for yellow halos around the spots.
Likely causes
Fungal Leaf Spot
PossibleHow to tell: You will see small brown or black spots often surrounded by a yellow halo. These spots may grow larger if the leaves stay wet for too long.
What to do: Remove the affected leaves immediately to stop the spread. Improve air circulation around the plant and avoid misting the foliage directly.
Spider Mites
PossibleHow to tell: Tiny yellow or white stippling spots appear across the leaf surface. You might also notice fine webbing between the stems.
What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the mites. Treat the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7 days until the pests are gone.
Find out what's wrong with your african fig
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
Worry if the spots are spreading rapidly to new growth. A single old leaf with a spot is usually just normal aging.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the leaves dry and ensure your plant has plenty of space for air to move around it.
African Fig: spots? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your african fig 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
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Should I cut off all spotted leaves?
- Yes, it is best to remove them to keep the fungus from spreading to healthy parts of the plant. Use clean, sharp scissors.
- Can I use leaf shine on my African Fig?
- Avoid leaf shine products as they can clog the pores of the leaves. A gentle wipe with a damp cloth is all you need to keep them clean.
Guides to these causes
More problems with African Fig
- Why is my African Fig dropping its leaves?
- How do I get rid of pests on my African Fig?
- Is my African Fig suffering from root rot?
- Why are my Ficus cyathistipula leaves turning yellow?
- Why do my Ficus cyathistipula leaves have brown tips?
- Why is my Ficus cyathistipula drooping?
- Why is my Ficus cyathistipula growing so leggy?
- Why are my Ficus cyathistipula leaves curling?
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.