Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Touch the spots to see if they are hard and dry or soft and wet.
- Check if the spots are spreading to other parts of the plant.
- Ensure the plant is not sitting in a humid bathroom or kitchen.
Likely causes
Physical Damage
PossibleHow to tell: The spots are dry, scarred, or look like small nicks and cuts on the surface of the leaves. These often occur after handling or accidental bumps.
What to do: Keep the plant in a safe spot where it will not be bumped or handled. These scars will not go away, but they will not harm the plant's health.
Fungal Infection
PossibleHow to tell: The spots are soft, spreading, or have a fuzzy appearance. This is usually caused by poor air circulation or high humidity.
What to do: Improve air circulation around the plant by placing it in a well ventilated area. Avoid misting the plant and ensure it stays completely dry.
Find out what's wrong with your split rock
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
Worry if the spots are soft, spreading, or leaking fluid, as this indicates a fungal infection or rot. Dry, brown scars are just cosmetic and are not a cause for concern.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the plant in a dry environment with excellent airflow. Avoid getting water on the leaves when you do water the soil.
Keep your split rock healthy from here
Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Can I wipe the spots off?
- If they are dry scars, they are part of the leaf tissue and cannot be wiped off. If they are fungal, wiping them may spread the spores.
- Will the spots disappear when the plant grows?
- The spots will stay on the current leaves until they are eventually replaced by new growth. As long as the plant is healthy, the new leaves will be clear.
More problems with Split rock
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.