Should I use a fungicide?

Usually, removing the damaged leaves and fixing the airflow is enough. Fungicides are rarely needed for home plants.

Are these spots contagious to my other plants?

If it is a fungal issue, it can spread through water splashes. Keep the affected plant away from others until the spots stop appearing.

Pittosporum: spots, causes and fixes

Check these first

Look at the underside of the leaves for any signs of pests.
Check if the spots are spreading quickly across the plant.
Observe if the spots are only on the leaves getting direct sun.

Likely causes

Fungal Leaf Spot
Most likely
How to tell: Small brown or black circles appear on the leaves, sometimes with a yellow halo.
What to do: Remove and discard any infected leaves immediately. Improve air circulation by thinning out crowded branches and avoiding overhead watering.
Sunburn
Possible
How to tell: Bleached or scorched patches appear on the leaves that face the most direct sun.
What to do: Move the plant to a location with bright, indirect light. If it must be in the sun, introduce it to the light gradually over 2 weeks.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your pittosporum

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

If the spots are covering most of the foliage and causing leaves to drop, it is a serious concern. A few small spots on older leaves are usually nothing to worry about.

Stopping it coming back

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

Pittosporum: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your pittosporum 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?: Usually, removing the damaged leaves and fixing the airflow is enough. Fungicides are rarely needed for home plants.
Are these spots contagious to my other plants?: If it is a fungal issue, it can spread through water splashes. Keep the affected plant away from others until the spots stop appearing.

Guides to these causes

Leaf Spot

Why does my Pittosporum have spots on its leaves?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your pittosporum?