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Coltsfoot · Tussilago farfara

Why are there orange spots on my Coltsfoot leaves?

Coltsfoot is quite prone to a specific fungal rust that shows up as orange or brown pustules on the undersides of leaves. This is usually caused by high humidity and poor air circulation around the foliage. Check the underside of the leaves immediately to confirm if you see these dusty spots.

spots on a plant
Photo: Scot Nelson, CC0

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of the leaves for orange dust or bumps.
  2. Check if the leaves are staying wet for long periods after watering.
  3. Look for signs of crowding that might block airflow.

Likely causes

  1. Rust Fungus

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see small, raised orange or reddish brown bumps on the underside of the leaves. The top of the leaf may show yellow or pale spots directly above the infection.

    What to do: Remove and destroy all infected leaves immediately to stop the spread. Do not compost these leaves. Improve air circulation by spacing your plants further apart and avoiding overhead watering.

  2. Leaf Spot Disease

    Possible

    How to tell: These appear as dark, irregular spots with a yellow halo around them. They often occur when the plant stays wet for too long.

    What to do: Keep the foliage dry by watering at the base of the plant only. Apply a copper based fungicide if the infection continues to spread across the plant.

When to worry

If the spots cover more than half of the leaf surface, the plant will struggle to photosynthesize and may decline. A few small spots are manageable with quick pruning.

Stopping it coming back

Water only at the soil level to keep leaves dry and ensure your plants have plenty of space for air to move between them.

Not sure which one it is? Photograph your coltsfoot.

This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf 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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Questions people ask

Can I save a leaf with orange spots?
It is best to remove it. Once the fungus starts producing spores, it spreads very quickly to healthy parts of the plant.
Will this kill my whole plant?
Usually not, but it can weaken the plant significantly. If you catch it early and remove the affected leaves, your Coltsfoot should bounce back.

More problems with Coltsfoot

Back to the Coltsfoot guide

This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.