Should I cut off spotted leaves?

Yes, removing damaged leaves helps the plant look better and prevents potential fungal spores from spreading.

It could be a fungal infection, but it is often just a reaction to poor air circulation or too much direct sunlight.

Why are there spots on my Tricolor Chameleon Plant leaves?

Check these first

Check if the spots are dry or soft.
Look at where the plant is positioned relative to the light.
Observe if the spots are spreading to healthy leaves.

Likely causes

Fungal Leaf Spot
Most likely
How to tell: Small brown or black spots appear on the leaves, sometimes with a yellow halo. This often happens when the foliage stays wet for too long.
What to do: Remove the affected leaves to stop the spread. Improve air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering to keep the leaves dry.
Sunburn
Possible
How to tell: Bleached or scorched patches appear on the leaves that face the light source. This happens if the plant gets too much direct sun.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot with partial to full shade. Trim off the severely damaged leaves to help the plant focus its energy on new growth.

When to worry

If the spots are spreading rapidly and turning into large patches of decay, you should take action to prevent total leaf loss.

Stopping it coming back

Water at the base of the plant rather than over the leaves, and ensure the plant has enough space for air to move around it.

Not sure which one it is? Photograph your tricolor chameleon plant.

This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

Get the app

Questions people ask

Should I cut off spotted leaves?: Yes, removing damaged leaves helps the plant look better and prevents potential fungal spores from spreading.
Is this a disease?: It could be a fungal infection, but it is often just a reaction to poor air circulation or too much direct sunlight.