Should I cut off all the spotted leaves?

Yes, it is best to remove them to prevent the fungus from spreading. Use clean scissors and wash them after each cut.

Can I use a fungicide on my sensitive plant?

You can, but it is better to fix the environment first. Fungicides are a last resort if the infection is severe.

Sensitive plant: spots, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of leaves for pests.
Check the soil moisture level with your finger.
Look for signs of standing water on the foliage.

Likely causes

Fungal leaf spot
Possible
How to tell: You will see small brown or black circles with yellow halos on the foliage. This often happens when the leaves stay wet for too long.
What to do: Remove the affected leaves immediately to stop the spread. Improve air circulation around the plant and avoid misting the leaves directly.
Water stress
Possible
How to tell: The leaves develop dry, crispy brown spots or patches. This occurs when the soil dries out completely between waterings.
What to do: Keep the soil consistently moist by watering every 3 to 7 days. Ensure the top inch of soil never feels bone dry to the touch.

Find out what's wrong with your sensitive plant

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.

When to worry

Worry if the spots are spreading rapidly across the entire plant. A few isolated spots on older leaves are usually nothing to fret about.

Stopping it coming back

Water at the base of the plant rather than over the top to keep the foliage dry.

Keep your sensitive plant healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Should I cut off all the spotted leaves?: Yes, it is best to remove them to prevent the fungus from spreading. Use clean scissors and wash them after each cut.
Can I use a fungicide on my sensitive plant?: You can, but it is better to fix the environment first. Fungicides are a last resort if the infection is severe.

Why does my sensitive plant have spots on its leaves?