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Swedish Ivy · Plectranthus verticillatus

What are these spots on my Swedish Ivy leaves?

It is less common for Swedish Ivy to develop spots, and it is usually caused by fungal issues from high humidity or poor air circulation. Check the undersides of the leaves first to rule out pests.

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spots on a plant
Photo: Scot Nelson, CC0

Check these first

  1. Look closely at the undersides of the leaves for tiny white insects.
  2. Check if the spots are soft or if they feel dry and crusty.
  3. Ensure the plant is not crowded by other plants.

Likely causes

  1. Fungal Leaf Spot

    Possible

    How to tell: Small brown or black spots appear on the leaves, sometimes with a yellow halo. These spots often grow larger if the plant stays wet.

    What to do: Remove the affected leaves immediately to stop the spread. Improve air circulation around the plant and avoid getting water on the foliage when you water.

  2. Mealybugs

    Possible

    How to tell: You see small white cottony masses in the leaf axils or on the undersides of leaves. These pests leave behind sticky residue that can cause discolored spots.

    What to do: Dab the bugs with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. For larger infestations, spray the plant with insecticidal soap every 7 days.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your swedish ivy

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 spots are manageable, but you should worry if the spots are spreading rapidly across the entire plant. A few spots on older leaves are rarely a major concern.

Stopping it coming back

Water at the soil level rather than over the top of the leaves. Keep the plant in a well ventilated area.

Swedish Ivy: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your swedish ivy 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 neem oil for spots?
Yes, neem oil is effective for both fungal issues and pests. Apply it in the evening to avoid leaf burn from direct sun.
Are these spots contagious to other plants?
If the spots are fungal, they can spread through water droplets. Keep the affected plant away from your other houseplants until it is healthy.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Swedish Ivy

Back to the Swedish Ivy 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.