Should I cut off all the spotted leaves?

Yes, removing damaged leaves helps the plant focus its energy on healthy growth. Just use clean, sharp scissors.

Is leaf spot contagious to other plants?

Yes, fungal spores can spread through water splashes or air. Keep the affected plant away from your other houseplants until it recovers.

Why are there spots on my Plumeria leaves? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Look at the shape and color of the spots.
Check if you have been splashing water on the leaves.
Evaluate the light levels where the plant sits.

Likely causes

Fungal Leaf Spot
Most likely
How to tell: You will see circular brown or black spots on the leaves. These often appear when the plant stays wet for too long.
What to do: Remove the affected leaves to stop the spread. Improve air circulation around the plant and avoid getting water on the leaves when you irrigate.
Sunburn
Possible
How to tell: The spots look like bleached or scorched patches on the leaves. This happens if the plant is moved into direct sun too quickly.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot with bright, indirect light. Gradually acclimate it to stronger sun over 2 to 3 weeks.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your frangipani

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 spots are normal, but if they cover most of the leaf surface, the plant will struggle to photosynthesize. Take action if the spots are spreading rapidly.

Stopping it coming back

Water at the base of the plant instead of over the top. Keep the area around your Plumeria clean and well ventilated.

Frangipani: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your frangipani 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 cut off all the spotted leaves?: Yes, removing damaged leaves helps the plant focus its energy on healthy growth. Just use clean, sharp scissors.
Is leaf spot contagious to other plants?: Yes, fungal spores can spread through water splashes or air. Keep the affected plant away from your other houseplants until it recovers.

Guides to these causes

Leaf Spot

Why are there spots on my Plumeria leaves?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your frangipani?