Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Look closely for small insects on the stems.
- Check if the leaves stay wet for too long.
- Ensure the plant has enough space for air to circulate.
Likely causes
Aphids
Most likelyHow to tell: Small, sticky spots or yellowing patches appear where insects have been feeding.
What to do: Spray the plant with a gentle stream of water to knock the aphids off. You can also use insecticidal soap once a week until they are gone.
Fungal Leaf Spot
PossibleHow to tell: Dark or discolored spots appear on the leaves, often with a yellow halo.
What to do: Remove the affected leaves to stop the spread. Avoid watering from above to keep the foliage dry.
Find out what's wrong with your cut-leaved crane's-bill
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
Worry if the spots are spreading quickly across the whole plant. A few small spots are usually manageable with simple cleaning.
Stopping it coming back
Water at the base of the plant to keep leaves dry and inspect for pests every week.
Keep your cut-leaved crane's-bill healthy from here
Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Can I use neem oil for the spots?
- Yes, neem oil is effective against both aphids and some fungal issues. Apply it in the evening to avoid leaf burn from the sun.
- Do these spots mean my plant is dying?
- Not necessarily. If you catch the cause early, the plant will recover just fine.
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Back to the cut-leaved crane's-bill guide
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.