Should I use a fungicide?

Fungicides can help, but they are only effective if you also fix the environment. Focus on keeping the leaves dry and improving airflow first.

Is leaf spot contagious to other plants?

Yes, fungal spores can spread to nearby plants through water splashes or wind. Keep infected plants isolated until they recover.

Heavenly bamboo: spots, causes and fixes

Check these first

Remove any fallen leaves from the soil surface.
Check if the leaves are staying wet for hours.
Look for signs of pests that might be weakening the plant.

Likely causes

Leaf Spot
Most likely
How to tell: Small, dark, or reddish spots appear on the leaves. These spots may grow larger and eventually cause the leaf to turn yellow and fall off.
What to do: Remove and dispose of all infected leaves immediately. Avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry.
Poor Air Circulation
Possible
How to tell: The plant is in a very crowded or stagnant area. The leaves stay damp long after rain or watering.
What to do: Prune back surrounding plants to increase airflow. Ensure your Nandina has enough space to breathe.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your heavenly bamboo

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

A few spots are common after a rainy season. Worry if the spots are spreading rapidly or if the plant is dropping a large number of leaves.

Stopping it coming back

Water at the base of the plant rather than over the leaves. Keep the area around the plant clean of debris.

Heavenly bamboo: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your heavenly bamboo 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.

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

Questions people ask

Should I use a fungicide?: Fungicides can help, but they are only effective if you also fix the environment. Focus on keeping the leaves dry and improving airflow first.
Is leaf spot contagious to other plants?: Yes, fungal spores can spread to nearby plants through water splashes or wind. Keep infected plants isolated until they recover.

Guides to these causes

Leaf Spot

What are these spots on my Heavenly Bamboo leaves?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your heavenly bamboo?