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Indian tobacco · Lobelia inflata

What are these spots on my Indian tobacco leaves?

It is less common for this plant to develop spots, which usually result from fungal issues caused by poor airflow or wet foliage. Check the leaves for signs of pests or fungal growth first.

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spots on a plant
Photo: Scot Nelson, CC0

Check these first

  1. Look closely at the undersides of the leaves for tiny insects.
  2. Check if the spots are spreading rapidly across the plant.
  3. Ensure the plant is not crowded by other pots.

Likely causes

  1. Fungal leaf spot

    Most likely

    How to tell: Small brown or black spots appear on the leaves, often with a yellow halo around them.

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

  2. Aphid damage

    Possible

    How to tell: Tiny insects cluster on new growth, leaving behind sticky residue that can lead to dark sooty mold spots.

    What to do: Wash the aphids off with a gentle stream of water. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap once a week until they are gone.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your indian tobacco

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

Spots are a concern if they cover a large portion of the plant or cause the leaves to wither. A few minor blemishes are generally not a threat to the plant's health.

Stopping it coming back

Water at the base of the plant to keep foliage dry and provide plenty of space between plants for air to move.

Indian tobacco: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your indian tobacco 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

Are these spots contagious to my other plants?
If the spots are fungal, they can spread through water splashes or air. It is best to isolate the affected plant until it recovers.
Should I use a fungicide?
Usually, improving airflow and removing infected leaves is enough. Fungicides are rarely needed if you manage the environment correctly.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Indian tobacco

Back to the Indian tobacco 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.