Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Inspect the undersides of the leaves for tiny insects.
- Check if the leaves are touching other plants.
- Look for signs of mold or fuzzy growth.
Likely causes
Fungal leaf spot
Most likelyHow to tell: Small dark or brown circles appear on the leaves, sometimes with a yellow halo.
What to do: Remove the affected leaves immediately to stop the spread. Improve airflow by spacing your plants further apart.
Aphid damage
PossibleHow to tell: Tiny insects cluster on new growth, leaving behind sticky residue and mottled spots.
What to do: Spray the leaves with a gentle stream of water to dislodge the aphids. Use insecticidal soap once a week if the infestation persists.
Find out what's wrong with your lizard's tail
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 spread rapidly across the entire plant. A few small marks on older leaves are usually harmless.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the foliage dry when watering and ensure there is plenty of space for air to move around the leaves.
Lizard's tail: spots? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your lizard's tail 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Should I use a fungicide?
- Usually, removing the damaged leaves and improving airflow is enough. Fungicides are rarely needed for this hardy plant.
- Are these spots contagious?
- If caused by a fungus, yes. Keep the affected plant away from others until the spots stop appearing.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Lizard's tail
Back to the Lizard's tail 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.