Should I cut off all the spotted leaves?

Only remove the leaves that are heavily damaged or dying. Removing too many leaves at once can stress the tree.

Will the spots go away on their own?

No, the existing spots will not disappear. You are looking for the new growth to emerge clean and healthy.

Java plum: spots, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of the leaves for fungal spores.
Check if the soil stays wet for more than a week.
Ensure the plant has enough space for air to circulate.

Likely causes

Fungal Leaf Spot
Most likely
How to tell: You will see dark, irregular spots that may have a yellow halo around them. These spots often appear after long periods of rain or high humidity.
What to do: Prune away the most affected leaves to stop the spread. Apply a copper based fungicide spray once every 10 to 14 days until the new growth looks healthy.
Overhead Watering
Possible
How to tell: Spots appear after you have been watering the leaves directly instead of the soil. This keeps the foliage wet for too long.
What to do: Switch to watering only the base of the plant. Ensure you water early in the morning so any accidental splashes dry off quickly in the sun.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your java plum

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

Worry if the spots are spreading rapidly to new growth or causing the leaves to fall off. A few old leaves with minor spots are usually nothing to stress about.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the leaves dry by watering at the soil level and ensure your plant is in a spot with good airflow.

Java plum: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your java plum 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 cut off all the spotted leaves?: Only remove the leaves that are heavily damaged or dying. Removing too many leaves at once can stress the tree.
Will the spots go away on their own?: No, the existing spots will not disappear. You are looking for the new growth to emerge clean and healthy.

Guides to these causes

Leaf Spot

Why does my Java plum have dark spots on its leaves?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your java plum?