Can I use leaf shine products to hide the spots?

No, avoid leaf shine products as they can clog the pores of the leaves. It is better to wipe the leaves gently with a damp cloth.

Are these spots a sign of a fungus?

While possible, it is rare. Most spots on this plant are caused by water quality or poor hygiene in the tank.

Scarlet Star: spots, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the central tank for debris or cloudy water.
Check if your tap water is hard or heavily chlorinated.
Look for small brown bumps that might be scale insects.

Likely causes

Mineral Buildup
Most likely
How to tell: You will see white or crusty spots forming on the leaves or inside the central tank. This happens when tap water contains high levels of chlorine or minerals.
What to do: Switch to using distilled, filtered, or rainwater for both the central tank and misting. Flush the central tank with fresh water every 2 weeks to prevent mineral accumulation.
Stagnant Water
Possible
How to tell: The spots may look dark or mushy, often accompanied by a slight odor from the tank. This indicates bacteria or algae growth in the water.
What to do: Empty the central tank completely and rinse it out with fresh water. Refill it with clean, room temperature water and change it every 7 to 10 days to keep it fresh.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your scarlet star

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 or if the leaf tissue feels soft and rotting. A few tiny spots from water minerals are usually harmless.

Stopping it coming back

Always use filtered or distilled water and flush the central tank regularly to keep the environment clean.

Scarlet Star: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your scarlet star 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 use leaf shine products to hide the spots?: No, avoid leaf shine products as they can clog the pores of the leaves. It is better to wipe the leaves gently with a damp cloth.
Are these spots a sign of a fungus?: While possible, it is rare. Most spots on this plant are caused by water quality or poor hygiene in the tank.

Guides to these causes

Salt Stress

Why are there spots on my Guzmania lingulata leaves?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your scarlet star?