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Thanksgiving cactus · Schlumbergera truncata

Why are there spots on my Thanksgiving cactus?

It is less common for a Thanksgiving cactus to develop spots, and this usually happens due to fungal issues from poor air circulation or water sitting on the foliage. Check the leaves for signs of pests or moisture buildup first.

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spots on a plant
Photo: Scot Nelson, CC0

Check these first

  1. Inspect the leaf joints for white cottony pests.
  2. Check if the leaves stay wet after watering.
  3. Ensure the plant has good airflow.

Likely causes

  1. Fungal Leaf Spot

    Possible

    How to tell: Small, dark, or reddish brown spots appear on the leaf segments. These often develop if 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 foliage when you water the soil.

  2. Mealybugs

    Possible

    How to tell: You might see small, white, cottony masses in the joints of the leaves. These pests suck sap and can leave behind discolored spots or sticky residue.

    What to do: Dab the white spots with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Repeat this once a week until you no longer see any signs of the insects.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your thanksgiving cactus

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 are spreading quickly or the leaves are turning mushy, you need to act immediately to save the plant. Small, isolated marks are often just minor cosmetic damage.

Stopping it coming back

Water only the soil, not the leaves, and ensure the plant is in a well ventilated area.

Thanksgiving cactus: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your thanksgiving cactus 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

Are these spots contagious to my other plants?
If the spots are caused by a fungus, it can spread through water splashes. Keep the affected plant isolated until it looks healthy again.
Can I use neem oil for the spots?
Neem oil can help with pests, but be careful using it on succulents. Test it on a small area first to make sure it does not burn the leaves.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Thanksgiving cactus

Back to the Thanksgiving cactus 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.