---
title: "im not sure what these little black dots are they once appeared on my…"
description: "im not sure what these little black dots are they once appeared on my spider plant and i noticed its also on my petunias and made them die. they come off if i…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/RvzmBBOlg94QlSo9XeO3dE"
community: "Pests, diseases and problems"
author: "juniper"
published: "2025-09-15T17:25:47.894431Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/4QlrNjTsIfH1HhtIvYwzPnxZgUOKOQZbyihAdpAsdv0/w3PnP8TKSUKTf6v6gxpv-A.webp?size=large"
---

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# im not sure what these little black dots are they once appeared on my…

_Posted by juniper on 2025-09-15_

im not sure what these little black dots are they once appeared on my spider plant and i noticed its also on my petunias and made them die. they come off if i wipe it and doing some research it says it may be sooty mold? but im not sure if its exactly that. pls lmk if i have a pest problem that needs fixing.

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/4QlrNjTsIfH1HhtIvYwzPnxZgUOKOQZbyihAdpAsdv0/w3PnP8TKSUKTf6v6gxpv-A.webp?size=large)

## 3 comments

### Sunny commented on 2025-09-15

I’m not sure it’s sooty mold which looks like coal ash i  
generously spread onto damp vegetation like in the picture. Yours look like insect feces. But, it could be the start of fungal growth. A commercial fungicide can help. Let the soil dry completely before watering. Spider plants have finger thick roots that are very efficient in storing water. No need to keep the soil damp. Continuously wet soil attracts fungus gnats and breed mold. Get good air circulation around the plant to dry it. Water only the soil. 🪴🍀

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/wefqOljjhEOiS9LRzOB1-QhxkVJiB4A5DGumXhnNrhs/ZnTVcSTNS0miZi3zoeQWxg.webp?size=large)

#### juniper replied on 2025-09-15

yeah i agree it looks like an insect problem. should i use a fungicide as well as a pesticide? and if you have any pet safe recommendations u have used before?

#### Sunny replied on 2025-09-16

I recommend wiping down the leaves with Castille soap. I would delay using fungicides if it’s not needed. Check online for pet safe products. I can’t recommend any. 🪴🍀

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