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Greater bird's-foot-trefoil · Lotus pedunculatus

Why are there spots on my Lotus pedunculatus leaves?

It is less common for this plant to develop spots, which usually points to fungal issues from poor air circulation or moisture sitting on the foliage. Check your plant for signs of dampness trapped between leaves first.

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spots on a plant
Photo: Scot Nelson, CC0

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of the leaves for tiny insects.
  2. Check if the soil is staying too wet without any air movement.
  3. Look for signs of mold or sticky residue on the foliage.

Likely causes

  1. Fungal Leaf Spot

    Possible

    How to tell: You will see small, dark, or discolored circles appearing on the leaves that may spread if the plant stays wet.

    What to do: Remove the affected leaves immediately to stop the spread. Improve airflow around the plant by thinning out dense growth and avoid overhead watering.

  2. Aphid Damage

    Possible

    How to tell: Tiny insects cluster on the stems and undersides of leaves, leaving behind sticky honeydew that can attract mold and cause yellow or brown spots.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a gentle stream of water to knock the aphids off. 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 greater bird's-foot-trefoil

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 or if the leaves are turning yellow and falling off. A few isolated spots on older leaves are usually not a major concern.

Stopping it coming back

Ensure your plant has plenty of space for air to circulate and always water at the base of the plant rather than over the leaves.

Greater bird's-foot-trefoil: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your greater bird's-foot-trefoil 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

Can I use neem oil on my Lotus pedunculatus?
Yes, neem oil is effective against both aphids and fungal issues. Apply it in the evening to avoid burning the leaves in the sun.
Should I cut off all the spotted leaves?
If the spots are covering more than half the leaf, it is best to remove it. This helps the plant focus its energy on healthy new growth.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Greater bird's-foot-trefoil

Back to the Greater bird's-foot-trefoil 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.