Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Examine the spots to see if they rub off as orange dust.
- Check if the leaves have been wet for long periods.
- Ensure the plant is in full sun.
Likely causes
Rust fungus
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see small, raised orange or rusty-colored pustules on the leaves. These often appear during periods of high humidity or wet weather.
What to do: Remove and destroy all infected leaves immediately to stop the spread. Avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry.
Excessive moisture
PossibleHow to tell: If the soil stays soggy or the leaves remain wet for too long, fungi thrive. The spots may appear alongside yellowing tissue.
What to do: Water only at the base of the plant in the morning. Ensure your soil drains well and allow it to dry out slightly between waterings.
Find out what's wrong with your curly dock
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
If the spots cover most of the foliage, the plant will struggle to photosynthesize. Minor spotting is common in humid summers but should be monitored.
Stopping it coming back
Water at the soil level rather than over the leaves, and provide plenty of sunlight to keep the foliage dry.
Curly dock: spots? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your curly dock 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
- Should I throw away the plant?
- Only if the infection is severe and covers the entire plant. Otherwise, pruning the affected leaves usually solves the problem.
- Is rust contagious?
- Yes, it spreads via spores in the wind or water. Keep infected plants away from your healthy ones.
Guides to these causes
More problems with curly dock
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.