Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Inspect the undersides of the leaves for small insects.
- Look for shiny slime trails on the soil or leaves.
- Check the plant at night with a flashlight to catch active pests.
Likely causes
Slugs and Snails
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see irregular holes in the leaves and shiny slime trails left behind on the foliage or soil.
What to do: Handpick them at night when they are active. You can also place copper tape around your containers or use iron phosphate bait to deter them.
Aphids
PossibleHow to tell: Tiny green or black insects cluster on the new growth and undersides of leaves. The leaves may look slightly distorted or sticky.
What to do: Spray the plant with a gentle stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, use a mild insecticidal soap once a week until they are gone.
When to worry
If the damage is widespread and the plant is struggling to produce new growth, it is time to intervene. A few small holes are normal in an outdoor garden.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the area around your plants clear of debris where slugs like to hide. Water in the morning so the soil surface is drier by evening.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your winter purslane.
This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Are these holes harmful to me?
- No, the holes just mean something else ate your greens. The plant is still safe to eat if you wash it well.
- Can I use pesticides?
- Avoid harsh chemicals since you are likely growing this to eat. Stick to physical barriers or organic soaps.
More problems with Winter Purslane
Back to the Winter Purslane guide
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.