Should I throw the plant away?

Not necessarily. If you catch it early and remove the infected parts, the plant can recover.

Is it contagious to other plants?

Yes, fungal spores can travel on the wind or water splashes. Keep infected plants isolated until they are healthy again.

Ragged Robin: spots, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the undersides of the leaves for orange dust.
Ensure the plant has enough space for air to move.
Verify that you are watering the soil, not the leaves.

Likely causes

Rust fungus
Most likely
How to tell: You will see small, raised orange or brown pustules on the undersides of leaves. The leaves may eventually yellow and drop off.
What to do: Remove and destroy all affected leaves immediately to stop the spread. Improve air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering.
Leaf spot disease
Possible
How to tell: These spots are usually darker and may have a yellow halo around them. They often appear after periods of high humidity.
What to do: Keep the area around the base of the plant clear of debris. If the infection is severe, use a copper based fungicide according to the package directions.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your ragged robin

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

Treat this as soon as you see it, as fungal spores spread quickly in damp conditions. If the whole plant is covered, it may be too late to save the foliage.

Stopping it coming back

Water only at the base of the plant and ensure there is plenty of space between plants. Keep the foliage dry whenever possible.

Ragged Robin: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your ragged robin 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 throw the plant away?: Not necessarily. If you catch it early and remove the infected parts, the plant can recover.
Is it contagious to other plants?: Yes, fungal spores can travel on the wind or water splashes. Keep infected plants isolated until they are healthy again.

What are these orange spots on my Ragged Robin?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your ragged robin?

Likely causes

Rust fungus

Leaf spot disease

Find out what's wrong with your ragged robin

When to worry

Stopping it coming back

Ragged Robin: spots? Check yours with a photo

Questions people ask

Guides to these causes

More problems with Ragged Robin