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Rough hawkbit · Leontodon hispidus

Why are there spots on my Leontodon hispidus leaves?

It is less common for this plant to develop spots, which usually points to fungal issues from poor air circulation or overhead watering. Check the underside of the leaves first to rule out any hidden pests.

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spots on a plant
Photo: Scot Nelson, CC0

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of the leaves for insects.
  2. Check if the soil is staying wet for too long.
  3. Ensure the plant is getting at least 6 hours of direct sun.

Likely causes

  1. Fungal Leaf Spot

    Possible

    How to tell: You will see small brown or black circles that may have a yellow halo around them. These spots often appear after periods of high humidity or rain.

    What to do: Remove the affected leaves immediately to stop the spread. Improve airflow around the plant and avoid wetting the foliage when you water.

  2. Powdery Mildew

    Possible

    How to tell: This looks like a dusting of white or gray flour on the leaves. It often happens when the nights are cool and the days are warm.

    What to do: Apply a neem oil spray or a mixture of water and baking soda to the leaves. Ensure the plant is in a spot with full sun to help dry out the foliage.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your rough hawkbit

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 rapidly across the entire plant. A few small spots on older leaves are usually just a natural part of the aging process.

Stopping it coming back

Water only at the base of the plant to keep the leaves dry and ensure it has plenty of space for air to move around it.

Rough hawkbit: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your rough hawkbit 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.

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Questions people ask

Should I cut off all the spotted leaves?
Yes, removing them helps prevent the fungus from spreading to healthy parts of the plant. Just make sure to use clean scissors.
Can I use a fungicide?
You can, but it is better to fix the environment first. Fungicides are a temporary fix if the plant is still sitting in damp, stagnant air.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Rough hawkbit

Back to the Rough hawkbit 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.