Cannas are a beautiful addition to any garden, and they can be used to add color and interest to the landscape all year long. One common problem that can occur with cannas is holes in the leaves.
This can be caused by a variety of factors, including pests, diseases, and environmental conditions. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of holes in canna leaves and offer some solutions to help you get your plants back on track!
Why Are There Holes in My Canna Leaves?
Pests are the most likely reason for holes in canna leaves. Caterpillars, slugs, and leaf rollers are all common pests that can cause damage to cannas, but there are many others that can be to blame as well.
All of these pests feed on the leaves of the plant, and they can cause serious damage if they are not controlled. If you see holes in your canna leaves, it is important to inspect the plants carefully for signs of pests.
You may need to wake up early to catch these pests in the act, especially as they do most of their feeding at night. Slugs, for example, will often leave a slimy trail behind them. If you see any pests on your plants, you can remove them by hand or use a pesticide to get rid of them.
How to Treat Canna Leaves with Holes?
The pests need to be controlled first and foremost. Handpick the pests off as you see them or use an organic pesticide. Insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils, and neem oil are all effective against the most common garden pests.
My favorite method of pest control is to use neem oil (Amazon link), which is a natural and organic pesticide that works to kill pests on contact. It is also safe to use around other plants and pets, which is always a plus in my book!
Simply mix the neem oil according to the instructions on the bottle and then spray it onto your plants. Be sure to focus on the underside of the leaves, as this is where most pests like to hide. Repeat this process every few days until you see a decrease in the number of holes in your canna leaves.
How to Keep Pests Away From Canna Leaves?
To prevent pests from becoming a problem in the first place, it is important to keep your garden clean and free of debris. This will make it less attractive to pests and make it easier for you to spot them if they do show up.
It is also a good idea to rotate your crops on a yearly basis. This will help to break the life cycle of pests and prevent them from becoming a major problem in your garden.
Finally, you may want to use something like diatomaceous earth around the base of your plants. This is a natural product that will kill pests on contact and help to keep them away from your cannas.
With a little effort, you can control the pests in your garden and prevent them from causing damage to your plants. By following these tips, you can keep your cannas looking beautiful all season long!
Why Are Canna Holes in a Row?
It’s likely that leaf rollers are the cause of holes in a row. Leaf rollers are small caterpillars that feast on the leaves of plants, and they tend to leave behind a telltale sign: damage that looks like it was made by a rolling pin.
These pests are most active in the spring and summer, so you’ll need to be on the lookout for them during these months. If you see leaf rollers on your plants, you can remove them by hand or use an organic pesticide to get rid of them (just like we highlighted above).
What Else Causes Holes in Canna Leaves?
While pests are the most likely cause of holes in canna leaves, there are a few other possibilities to consider as well:
Disease
Canna plants aren’t immune to disease, and one of the most common problems is called anthracnose. This fungal disease causes brown or black spots on the leaves, which can eventually lead to holes.
If you think your plants have anthracnose, it’s important to take action quickly. Remove any affected leaves and dispose of them so the disease doesn’t spread. You can also treat the plants with a fungicide to help prevent the disease from coming back.
Environmental Stress
Sometimes, holes in canna leaves are caused by environmental stressors like wind or sun damage. If you live in an area with high winds, for example, your cannas may develop holes from the constant battering.
Similarly, if your plants are in an area that gets a lot of direct sunlight, the leaves may become damaged and develop holes. If this is the case, you can try moving your plants to a shadier spot or providing them with some additional protection from the sun.
Animals
Finally, it’s possible that animals are responsible for the holes in your canna leaves. Birds, deer, and other creatures may see your plants as a tasty snack and nibble on the leaves. If you think this is the case, you can try using fencing or netting to keep the animals away from your plants.
Should I Prune Canna Leaves with Holes?
It’s not necessary to prune canna leaves with holes, as the plants will eventually outgrow the damage. However, if you want to tidy up your plants and improve their appearance, you can go ahead and trim off any damaged leaves.
Just be sure to dispose of the affected leaves so you don’t spread any diseases or pests to other parts of your garden.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a few different reasons why your cannas might develop holes in their leaves. However, the most likely culprit is pests. By taking some preventive measures and being on the lookout for these little creatures, you can keep your plants healthy and hole-free!
Do you have any tips for dealing with holes in canna leaves? Share them with us in the comments below!
Tim is an avid gardener from the UK. He was the founder of PlantCarer.com from 2021 to Sep 2023. He sold PlantCarer.com to Aaron. He has since started his own business called Seed To Supper, which provides new gardeners all the materials you need in a box (pots, seeds, compost and instructions) to grow your own delicious and nutritious vegetables and herbs from start to finish – no garden required.
