Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Look at the spots to see if they are fuzzy or have a yellow ring.
- Check if you are watering the leaves instead of the soil.
- Ensure the plants are not crowded together.
Likely causes
Fungal Leaf Spot
Most likelyHow to tell: Brown or black spots appear on the leaves, sometimes with a yellow halo.
What to do: Remove and destroy the affected leaves immediately. Avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry.
High Humidity
PossibleHow to tell: The spots spread rapidly during periods of high humidity or rainy weather.
What to do: Space your plants further apart to improve air circulation. Place the plant in a spot with full sun to help leaves dry quickly.
Find out what's wrong with your marigold
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 cover more than half of the leaf surface. Small, isolated spots are usually harmless if managed quickly.
Stopping it coming back
Water at the base of the plant to keep leaves dry. Provide plenty of space between plants for air to move.
Marigold: spots? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your marigold 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
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Questions people ask
- Should I cut off all the spotted leaves?
- Yes, remove them to prevent the fungus from spreading. Dispose of them in the trash, not your compost pile.
- Is leaf spot contagious?
- Yes, fungal spores can spread through water splashes or wind. Keep infected plants away from healthy ones.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Marigold
- Why are there bugs on my marigold?
- Why are my marigold leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my marigold drooping?
- Why is my marigold growing so leggy?
- Why is my marigold wilting and yellowing?
- Why are my marigold's leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my marigold dropping its leaves?
- Why is my marigold not producing any flowers?
- Why are my marigold leaves curling?
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.