How to Fix Fungus on a Spathiphyllum

Foliar Fungus

• 1

  Inspect the Spathiphyllum’s leaves to ensure that it is truly a fungal problem and not pests. Look for circular brown spots on the surface of the leaves and on the margins. Check the undersides of the leaves for the fungal pathogen’s fruiting bodies – these are small black splotches with white borders.

• 2

  Spray the foliage, according to package directions, with a fungicide containing triflumizole as the active ingredient.

• 3

  Avoid fungus on the Spathiphyllum’s foliage by watering slowly to avoid splashing water and soil on the leaves. Don’t mist the plant’s foliage. Place the Spathiphyllum in an area with good air circulation such as next to a fan, or near an open window.

Root Fungus

• 4

  Check the Spathiphyllum for signs of root rot. The most obvious sign is yellow foliage toward the bottom of the plant. Look closely at the area where the leaves join the main stem. You may see small black splotches. Act quickly at the first sign of root rot. If left untreated, the plant will collapse and die.

• 5

  Drench the soil with a fungicide containing thiophanate-methyl, according to the instructions printed on the fungicide’s label.

• 6

  Empty water from the saucer after watering to prevent root rot. Over-fertilizing the plant also makes it more susceptible to root fungus, according to the experts at Michigan State University.