Plant guide:ðŸŒļ Orchid
Back to Plant Clinic
⚠ Moderate
ðŸĐš
Fungal

Fungal Leaf Spot on Orchids

Commonly affects: Phalaenopsis spp. and other Orchidaceae (Orchid)

Small, circular, dark spots with a yellow halo appear on leaves, sometimes merging into larger dead patches over time.

Potential Causes

  1. 1Various fungal pathogens, favoured by high humidity and poor air circulation
  2. 2Water splashing onto leaves during watering
  3. 3Overcrowded plants restricting airflow

Solution Steps

  1. 1Remove and destroy severely affected leaves
  2. 2Improve air circulation with a small fan running nearby
  3. 3Water at the base, avoiding leaf surfaces
  4. 4Apply a fungicide labelled for orchids if the problem is spreading

Prevention Tip

Good airflow is the single most effective prevention for the fungal leaf spots that affect orchids kept in still, humid conditions.