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Deadly nightshade · Atropa belladonna

Why are there holes in my deadly nightshade leaves?

If you see tiny, shot-like holes in your leaves, you likely have flea beetles. These small pests love the foliage of nightshades and can cause damage quickly. Check the undersides of your leaves for these jumping insects.

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pests on a plant
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of the leaves for small insects.
  2. Watch for jumping movement when you touch the foliage.
  3. Check for sticky residue on the stems.

Likely causes

  1. Flea beetles

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see small, round holes in the leaves and tiny black beetles that jump when disturbed. They are most active during warm, sunny weather.

    What to do: Spray the leaves with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5 to 7 days. Ensure you coat both the top and bottom of the leaves thoroughly. You can also use floating row covers to physically block them from the plant.

  2. Aphids

    Possible

    How to tell: Look for clusters of tiny green or black insects on new growth or the undersides of leaves. They often leave behind a sticky substance called honeydew.

    What to do: Blast the pests off with a strong stream of water from your hose. Follow up with an application of insecticidal soap once a week until they are gone.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your deadly nightshade

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

Small amounts of damage are usually fine, but heavy infestations can weaken the plant. If the plant is losing more than 20 percent of its leaf surface, take action immediately.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the area around your plant free of weeds, which often host these pests. Using reflective mulch can also deter beetles from landing on your plant.

Deadly nightshade: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your deadly nightshade and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Are these pests dangerous to me?
The pests themselves are not, but remember that the deadly nightshade plant is highly toxic. Always wear gloves when handling the plant.
Will the holes heal?
No, the holes will remain on the leaves. Focus on protecting the new, healthy growth that emerges.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Deadly nightshade

Back to the Deadly nightshade guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.