If you’ve been looking at your lantana plants and noticed that they have holes in their leaves, don’t worry – you’re not alone. This is a common problem for lantana growers, but it’s also easy to solve. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of leaf holes in lantana plants and how to fix them.

Why Are There Holes in My Lantana Leaves?

Holes in lantana leaves usually indicate that the plant is infested with insects. The most common culprits are caterpillars whiteflies, spider mites, lace bugs, aphids, and mealybugs. These pests chew on the leaves of the plant, causing the holes that you see.

These pests are attracted to lantana plants because they are looking for a place to lay their eggs. The larvae of these insects will feed on the leaves of the plant, causing damage. In some cases, the larvae can also spread diseases to the plant.

Look closely under the leaves and nearby stems to find the culprit. There are many clues. For example, caterpillars leave droppings, known as frass, while whiteflies leave a sticky residue on the leaves.

Spider mites leave webbing, and lace bugs have black excrement on the underside of the leaves. Aphids and mealybugs can be harder to find but look for ants crawling around the plant. They are attracted to the honeydew that these pests secrete.

How to Treat Lantana Leaves with Holes?

To get your lantana back on track, you’ll need to treat the plant for pests. You can do this by using a pesticide or an insecticide. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label and apply the product according to the directions.

My favorite way to protect plants from pests is with neem oil (Amazon link), an organic insecticide. Neem oil works by suffocating the insects and preventing them from laying eggs.

To use neem oil, mix it with water according to the directions on the label and spray it on the lantana plant. Be sure to cover the undersides of the leaves where pests like to hide. You’ll need to reapply the neem oil every few days until the pests are gone.

How to Keep Pests Away From Lantana Leaves?

To prevent pests from infesting your lantana plants in the future, there are a few things you can do.

First, make sure to keep your plants healthy. Pests are attracted to weak and stressed plants. So, give your lantana plants the care they need to stay strong and healthy.

Second, keep the garden clean. Pests like to hide in weeds and debris. So, make sure to remove any weeds or dead leaves from the area around your lantana plants.

Finally, consider using pest control products. There are many organic and chemical options available. Choose a product that won’t harm your plants and that is effective against the pests in your area.

By following these simple tips, you can keep your lantana plants healthy and free of pests.

What Else Causes Holes in Lantana Leaves?

There are a few other reasons why your lantana leaves might have holes.

Drought

First, the plant could be suffering from drought stress. Lantana plants need regular watering to stay healthy. If the soil is too dry, the leaves will start to turn brown and could develop holes.

To fix this problem, water your lantana plants deeply and regularly. Be sure to check the soil before watering to make sure it is dry.

Lack of nutrients

Second, the plant could be suffering from nutrient deficiencies. Lantana plants need a balanced diet of nutrients to stay healthy. If the soil is lacking in nutrients, the leaves will start to turn yellow and could develop holes.

To fix this problem, fertilize your lantana plants with a balanced fertilizer. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label and apply the fertilizer according to the directions.

Disease

Third, the plant could be suffering from a fungal disease. Lantana plants are susceptible to several fungal diseases, including powdery mildew and leaf spot. These diseases cause spots on the leaves and can eventually lead to leaf loss.

To fix this problem, treat your lantana plants with a fungicide. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label and apply the product according to the directions.

Should I Prune Lantana Leaves with Holes?

Once you’ve treated the plant for pests, you can prune away the damaged leaves. This will help the plant to focus its energy on new growth.

To prune the lantana plant, cut off the affected leaves at the base of the plant. Be sure to sterilize your pruning tools before and after use to prevent the spread of disease.

Conclusion

In conclusion, holes in lantana leaves are usually caused by pests. To fix the problem, you’ll need to treat the plant for pests and prune away the damaged leaves. By following these simple tips, you can keep your lantana plants healthy and free of holes.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. I would love to hear from you. Until next time, happy gardening!