Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Look closely at the spots to see if they are raised or flat.
- Check if the spots are appearing on new or old growth.
- Ensure the plant has enough space for air to move around it.
Likely causes
Tar Spot
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see distinct, raised black or dark brown spots on the leaf surface.
What to do: Remove and destroy all infected leaves to prevent the fungus from spreading. Improve air circulation around the plant by pruning crowded branches.
Fungal leaf spot
PossibleHow to tell: Small brown or black spots with yellow halos appear on the foliage after periods of heavy rain.
What to do: Avoid overhead watering to keep the leaves dry. Apply a copper based fungicide if the infection is widespread.
Find out what's wrong with your holly
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
A few spots are common in wet seasons, but you should worry if the spots cover more than half of the leaf surface or cause premature leaf drop.
Stopping it coming back
Water at the base of the plant rather than over the leaves to keep foliage dry.
Holly: spots? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your holly 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
- Will the spots go away?
- The existing spots will remain, but you can prevent new ones by keeping the leaves dry.
- Is this disease contagious to other plants?
- Yes, fungal spores can travel through the air or water splashes, so isolate the affected plant if possible.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Holly
- Why are my holly leaves turning yellow?
- How do I get rid of pests on my holly?
- Why is my holly losing its leaves?
- Why are my holly's leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my holly drooping?
- Why is my holly looking wilted and sickly?
- Why is my holly growing so thin and stretched?
- Why are my holly leaves curling up?
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.