Are these spots a fungus?

Usually not. Most spots on water lilies are caused by insect damage rather than fungal pathogens.

Should I use pesticides?

Avoid chemical pesticides as they will harm the fish and other beneficial life in your pond. Manual removal is safer and effective.

American white waterlily: spots, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the underside of the leaves for beetles.
Look for small clusters of eggs on the leaf surface.
Check if the spots are spreading to new leaves.

Likely causes

Water Lily Beetle
Most likely
How to tell: You will see small, ragged holes or brown spots where the beetles have chewed through the leaf tissue. Look for small dark beetles or their larvae on the leaves.
What to do: Manually remove the beetles and their eggs by hand. You can also gently spray the leaves with water to knock the beetles off into the pond for fish to eat.
Fungal Infection
Possible
How to tell: Small, dark, circular spots that may have a yellow halo around them. This is rare but can occur in very crowded, stagnant water.
What to do: Remove the affected leaves immediately to stop the spread. Improve water circulation by adding a small fountain or pump.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your american white waterlily

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 small holes are normal in a natural pond. Worry if the beetles are destroying the majority of the foliage.

Stopping it coming back

Encourage natural predators like frogs and fish in your pond to keep the beetle population down.

American white waterlily: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your american white waterlily 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

Are these spots a fungus?: Usually not. Most spots on water lilies are caused by insect damage rather than fungal pathogens.
Should I use pesticides?: Avoid chemical pesticides as they will harm the fish and other beneficial life in your pond. Manual removal is safer and effective.

Why are there spots on my American white waterlily leaves?