Identify House Plant with Brown Spots on Leaves

Hello Judy!

Can you please help identify this plant? Since we brought it home, browns spots have begun appearing on the leaves. I’d love to make sure we’re taking appropriate care. Thanks!

Hi Emily,

Large green and white leaves with brown spots
Dieffenbachia with brown spots on leaves

Your plant is a type of dieffenbachia. It looks like your plant is suffereing from Leaf Spot disease. When a plant gets Leaf Spot, the attacking fungus or bacteria leaves brown spots trimmed in yellow where it is feeding on the leaves. These spots may vary in shape, color, and size.  As with all other fungal and bacterial diseases, better air circulation, well-drained soil, dry leaves, and less water help control Leaf Spot disease.  Never mist a plant if Leaf Spot is suspected. You can use a commercial Fungicide to treat Leaf Spot disease or this homemade remedy:  put a tablespoon or two of baking soda and a teaspoon or two of mineral oil in a spray bottle of water. Shake the solution well and then spray all areas of the plant that are infected. Keep infected plants away from your other houseplants.

You can read all my care tips for a dieffenbachia in the Popular Houseplant section of the website. The picture is of a different variety but the care is the same.

https://www.houseplant411.com/houseplant/dieffenbachia-how-to-grow-care

These plants are considered poisonous and should be kept away from pets and children. Read more about common houseplants that are poisonous in Don’t Feed Me To Your Cat! A Guide to Poisonous Houseplants.