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Silver Sword Philodendron · Philodendron hastatum

Why does my Silver Sword Philodendron have spots?

It is less common for this plant to develop spots, which are usually caused by fungal issues from high humidity or pests. Check the undersides of the leaves for tiny webbing to rule out spider mites first.

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spots on a plant
Photo: Scot Nelson, CC0

Check these first

  1. Examine the undersides of the leaves for tiny moving specks.
  2. Check for fine webbing between the stems and leaves.
  3. Look for signs of water sitting on the leaves after cleaning.

Likely causes

  1. Spider Mites

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see tiny yellow stippling or brown spots on the leaves along with fine, silky webbing. These pests thrive in dry indoor air.

    What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the webbing. Spray the plant thoroughly with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5 days for 3 weeks.

  2. Fungal Leaf Spot

    Possible

    How to tell: Small brown or black spots appear on the leaves, often with a yellow halo around them. This happens when water sits on the leaves for too long.

    What to do: Remove the affected leaves to stop the spread. Ensure there is good air circulation around the plant and avoid misting the foliage directly.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your silver sword philodendron

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

Small, isolated spots are rarely a crisis, but widespread spotting that spreads quickly requires immediate treatment. Normal aging may cause a single brown edge on an old leaf.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the leaves clean and dry, and provide good airflow to prevent fungal growth. Inspect your plant regularly for pests.

Silver Sword Philodendron: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your silver sword philodendron 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 leaf shine products to hide the spots?
No, avoid leaf shine products as they can clog the pores of the leaves. It is better to clean the leaves with plain water.
Are these spots contagious to my other plants?
If the spots are caused by spider mites, they can easily spread to nearby plants. Isolate the affected plant until it is completely clear.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Silver Sword Philodendron

Back to the Silver Sword Philodendron 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.