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Ashoka tree · Saraca asoca

What are these dark spots on my Ashoka tree leaves?

Dark patches on your Ashoka tree foliage are often caused by fungal leaf spot. This usually happens when the air is very humid or the leaves stay wet for too long. Check your watering habits and air circulation first.

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spots on a plant
Photo: Scot Nelson, CC0

Check these first

  1. Examine the spots to see if they are spreading or fuzzy.
  2. Check if the leaves stay wet for long periods after rain or watering.
  3. Ensure the tree has enough space for air to move through the branches.

Likely causes

  1. Fungal leaf spot

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see dark, irregular patches on the leaves that may have a yellow halo. These spots often appear during rainy or humid seasons.

    What to do: Prune away the heavily infected leaves to stop the spread. Apply a copper based fungicide to the remaining foliage every 10 to 14 days during humid weather.

  2. Overhead watering

    Possible

    How to tell: Leaves that stay wet for hours after watering are prone to fungal growth. This is especially common if you water in the evening.

    What to do: Switch to watering at the base of the tree to keep the foliage dry. Always water in the morning so any accidental splashes can evaporate quickly.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your ashoka tree

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

It is serious if the spots cover most of the leaf surface and cause premature leaf drop. A few spots on older leaves are common and not a major concern.

Stopping it coming back

Improve air circulation around the tree and avoid wetting the leaves when you water.

Ashoka tree: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your ashoka tree 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 remove all spotted leaves?
Remove the ones that are heavily damaged or yellowing. If the tree is mostly healthy, you do not need to strip every single leaf.
Is leaf spot contagious to other plants?
Yes, fungal spores can spread through water splashes or wind. Keep infected plants away from your other greenery until they recover.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Ashoka tree

Back to the Ashoka tree 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.