How to Treat Brown Spots on Your Plants: Natural Remedies That Work

Have you noticed brown spots on your plants? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Brown spotting is a common issue that many homeowners face, and it’s often caused by fungal problems, moisture issues, or plant stress. The good news is that with a little care, you can restore your plants’ health and protect them from further damage.

At Scenic Green, we recommend a simple three-step approach: remove unhealthy leaves, apply natural treatments, and, if needed, use a fungicide as a last resort.

Step 1: Remove Unhealthy Parts

Before applying any treatments, it’s important to cut away the infected areas:

• Cut carefully – Trim at the boundary between healthy and diseased tissue, favoring the healthy side.

• Remove entirely if necessary – If the infection is severe, take off the entire leaf or branch.

• Disinfect and clean up – Always disinfect your tools after pruning, and dispose of diseased leaves properly to prevent spreading.

Pro tips:

• Avoid pruning on rainy days to reduce the risk of infection.

• Don’t prune more than half the leaves at once to avoid stressing the plant.

Step 2: Try a Natural Home Remedy

Once unhealthy parts are removed, you can protect the remaining foliage with one of these safe, natural sprays:

Option 1: Baking Soda Spray

• Mix 1 tablespoon baking soda with 1 quart (1 liter) of water.

• Spray thoroughly until the leaves start to drip.

• Repeat once a week for a month.

Option 2: Garlic Spray

• Crush 5 garlic cloves and soak them in water for a few hours.

• Strain and dilute with 1 quart (1 liter) of water.

• Spray weekly for a month.

Option 3: Apple Cider Vinegar Spray

• Mix 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar with 1 quart (1 liter) of water.

• Spray all plant parts until dripping.

• Repeat weekly for a month.

Always test a small area of your plant first to make sure it isn’t sensitive to the solution.

Step 3: Use Fungicide Only as a Last Resort

If your plant’s condition continues to worsen after trying natural remedies, a copper-based fungicide may be necessary. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product label carefully. Since chemical fungicides carry potential health and environmental risks, they should only be used when absolutely necessary.

Final Thoughts

Brown spots don’t mean your plant is doomed. With proper pruning and the right treatment, you can stop the spread of disease and restore your plant’s health naturally.

If you’d like help treating your landscape plants, Scenic Green can assist with professional pruning, disease prevention, and long-term plant health care. Contact us today to schedule a visit—we’ll help keep your landscape looking its best.