Peacock Plant Brown Spots [How to identify & treat them)

Peacock plant brown spots can be scary to dedicated plant owners, but fret not! We have a guide that can help you get to the root (pun intended) of the problem.

Why Does My Peacock Plant Have Brown Spots?

Diseases including anthracnose, algal leaf, and septoria leaf spots may cause brown spots on the peacock plant’s leaves. Unsuitable environmental factors may have the same effect, including insufficient humidity, too much light, and frost.

Occasionally, an insect infestation is to blame for the brown patches.

Can Brown Spots Develop on Peacock Plants Due to Dry Soil?

Calathea benefits from damp soil. Due to the fact that excessively wet soil causes root rot while dry soil results in brown patches and twisted leaves, it’s crucial to maintain a balance between the two.

Before watering, make sure the top few inches of soil are dry. Water should be just enough to keep the soil from becoming soggy.

To prevent the plant from spending too much time in the saucer, empty the extra water accumulated there.

A peacock plant in direct sunlight or a dry area has to be watered more often than one in shade or a moist climate. It’s critical to modify the watering frequency depending on the plant’s environmental factors.

Always use water that is at normal temperature. Cold water may cause shock and make a plant uncomfortable.

In a container with a drainage hole, place the Calathea in well-drained soil. It improves soil drainage by adding orchid or perlite bark.

What Does Algal Leaf Spot look like on Peacock Plants?

The parasitic called algae Cephaleuros virescens is the source of this particular illness.

It affects the peacock plant’s twigs as well as the leaves. The dots would resemble patches and might be a shade of greenish-brown or green-gray.

Even before they drop, the calathea leaves may become yellow. Whenever the leaves get severely diseased, you will spot a yellow color on them. 

What Diseases Result in Brown Spots in Peacock Plants?

Fungal and bacterial infections may bring on Peacock Plant leaf spot disease. These dots might be consistent in size with a yellow “halo” around them.

Using gardening shears, clip off the damaged leaves, wiping the scissors after each cut. Keep your infected peacock plant away from other plants and look for illness symptoms on any nearby plants since this may be infectious.

The Calathea leaves should be dry to avoid fungal and bacterial infections. Although Calathea like humid environments, spray the air lightly; you don’t need to

Although Calathea like humid environments, spray the air lightly; you don’t need to. Black spots may be caused by fungal and bacterial illnesses from wet leaves. Use a tissue to clean up any water spilled on the leaves.

Leaf spot disease may be avoided by maintaining adequate air circulation, having soil that drains well, and not watering plants excessively. Use a fungicide or a homemade cure of one teaspoon mineral oil and one tablespoon baking soda in a spritz water bottle if a leaf spot is detected. Over the affected regions, mist this.

Can A Nutritional Deficiency Cause Brown Spots On Peacock Plants?

The development of chlorosis and necrosis in the leaves results from the absence of any vital nutrients.

Initially appearing yellow, necrotic and chlorotic leaves eventually acquire brown margins.

The micronutrient or macronutrient that is deficient will determine the symptoms.

On the older and lower leaves, mobile nutrients, including phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N), magnesium (Mg), and potassium (K), will manifest their symptoms.

In contrast, the younger leaves will exhibit symptoms from immobile nutrients, including boron (B), molybdenum (Mo), calcium (Ca), cobalt (Co), chlorine (Cl), sulfur (S), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and silicon (Si).

Can Low Humidity Cause Brown Spots on Peacock Plants?

Calathea is a tropical native that thrives in dampness. Brown patches are often caused by low humidity.

As heaters and vents dry up the air nearby, keep the Calathea away from them.

Place a humidifier near the plant to raise the humidity in the space. The greatest approach to raising humidity is in this manner.

Using a spray bottle to sprinkle the air surrounding the plant (note: do not overly mist the leaves or leave them sopping wet as this might result in bacterial illness. The moisture should leave the leaves within a few minutes, and they shouldn’t be damp.

Setting the plant on a water-filled pebble tray (ensure that the pot is placed on the pebbles and not in the water). Humidity rises as the water evaporation continues.

Why Are the Edges of My Peacock Plant’s Leaves Turning Brown?

Brown borders on peacock plants often indicate low humidity. Every day, spray some mist or use a humidifier to aid with the conditions and stop the leaves from becoming even browner!

Why Are My Peacock Plant’s Leaf Margins Becoming Brown?

During their growing season, which is spring and autumn, peacock plants that are healthy and content produce some leaves each month. A plant may not be content with its surroundings if it doesn’t produce new leaves in the summer.

Can Peacock Plants Develop Brown Spots Under Strong Sunlight?

Calathea like dim-to-moderate lighting. Leaf burns, which result in brown blotches on the leaves, are brought on by direct sunlight.

If the peacock plant is next to a window, place it away or cover it with a translucent fabric, so it gets diffused light.

Since south-facing windows produce extremely intense light that may be too harsh for this houseplant, keep the plant away from them. Windows that face east, west, or north are preferable.

What Pests Affect Peacock Plant Brown Spots?

Pests might also be to blame for brown areas on the leaves. The plants are vulnerable to mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites.

Infestation-related symptoms also include:

• Stunted or erratic development
• White cotton webbing
• Brown or yellow stains
• Dark streaks or anything that resembles mold

Look attentively for bug indicators on your plant. If pests are found, quarantine the plant to prevent their spread to nearby plants.

Rinse the plants in the sink with only an insecticidal soap and a vigorous stream of water. Use diluted neem oil or rubbing alcohol to mist the plant.

Spraying should occur once every three to four days until all traces of the infestation are eliminated because many pests have long life cycles. The whole procedure can take a few weeks.

What Do I Do About My Peacock Plant’s Brown Spots?

Brown patches indicate the plant is unhappy, so pay attention and look for the cause. Most likely, irrigation is involved. Change the plant care routine to prevent further brown patches’ emergence!

The only thing you can do is concentrate on making the situation better moving ahead since brown areas won’t become green again.

How Can I Tell If My Peacock Plant Is About to Die?

Calathea plants dying will have leaves that are becoming brown or yellow and falling off one by one. If this occurs, attempt to identify the issue as soon as possible. Typically, it has to do with humidity and irrigation.

If you believe it requires fresh soil or a container with improved drainage, adjust your watering schedule and repot the plant!

Can Temperature Changes Cause Brown Spots on Peacock Plants?

Calatheas need warm weather. It grows most throughout spring and summer when temperatures are at their highest for this reason.

Your Calathea will have difficulties if it is subjected to temperature variations greater or lower than the optimum values.

Stress from temperature changes frequently results in dark patches on the leaves, a drab plant, and no visible evidence of growth.

Am I Watering My Peacock Plants Excessively?

Overwatering is a problem that both novice and seasoned plant owners encounter often. Calathea may be picky about how much water it needs, so it’s easy to overwater it.

Both wet soil and drought-like circumstances are undesirable to calatheas. However, the soil will get soggy if you give it too much water. This will impact roots.

The roots get smothered due to spending too much time in the water. They malfunction, which causes the plant to lack nutrients and water.

The roots decay when the extra water cuts off the oxygen supply. If you don’t address this issue quickly, it might potentially cause Calathea to die.

You will see mushy, brown leaves if your Calathea has root rot or is being overwatered.

How Do I Water My Peacock Plant Correctly?

Water the Calathea properly to prevent browning since both over- and under-watering might result in brown foliage.

• When watering, avoid splashing water on the foliage.
• Avoid using ordinary tap water. To lessen the mineral concentration, leave it in a bucket all night.
• To water a Calathea, you may use rainfall or filtered water.
• Keep a calendar that will prompt you to water the peacock plant in case you forget.
• Water after ensuring that the soil’s top layer is dry.
• Water in the early afternoon or morning, so the soil dries quickly and doesn’t stay wet.
• Use a planter with holes for drainage.
• Verify that the soil has both retaining and draining components.

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• How Often to Water Peacock Plant?
• Why are my Peacock plant leaves pointing up?
• Best Growing Conditions for a Peacock Plant in Central Florida
• How Much Light Does a Peacock Plant Need?