Madagascar Palm Black Spots and Leaf Loss: Winter Dormancy and Fungus

Black spots on Madagascar palm leaves in late winter (Sydney) are a minor fungus. Leaf loss is natural winter dormancy—even in Madagascar, there’s a cool/dry season.

Care

• Reduce watering while dormant.
• Spray leaves with neem oil (organic, controls fungus, insects, mites).
• Remove fallen leaves to prevent spread.
• Trim black leaf areas if few leaves remain.
• Resume normal watering when new growth appears in spring.

The plant is related to oleander—milky sap, winter dormancy. It will recover.