Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Check if you are watering the leaves instead of the soil.
- Look for signs of mold on the top layer of the soil.
- Ensure the plant is not crowded by other plants.
Likely causes
Overhead Watering
Most likelyHow to tell: You see dark, circular spots that might have a yellow halo. These appear when water droplets sit on the leaves for too long.
What to do: Always water directly into the soil at the base of the plant. If you accidentally get water on the leaves, gently pat them dry with a soft cloth.
Poor Ventilation
PossibleHow to tell: The spots are accompanied by a damp, musty smell or moldy soil surface. This happens when the air around the plant is stagnant.
What to do: Ensure the plant has enough space around it for air to move freely. You can place a small fan nearby on a low setting to improve circulation.
Find out what's wrong with your peacock plant
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
If the spots are spreading rapidly or turning into mushy, black patches, it is a sign of a serious infection. Remove the affected leaves to prevent further spread.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the foliage dry and ensure good airflow around your plant at all times.
Peacock plant: spots? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your peacock plant 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 the spotted leaves?
- Yes, it is best to remove leaves with large spots to stop the spread of infection. Use sterilized scissors and wash your hands afterward.
- Can I use a fungicide?
- You can use a copper-based fungicide if the spots continue to spread despite better care. However, fixing the watering method is the most important step.
More problems with Peacock plant
- Why are my Peacock plant's leaf tips turning brown?
- Why does my Peacock plant have spider mites?
- Why are my peacock plant's leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my peacock plant drooping?
- How do I fix root rot on my peacock plant?
- Why are my peacock plant leaves curling?
- Why is my peacock plant dropping leaves?
- Why is my peacock plant getting leggy?
Back to the Peacock plant guide
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.