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Blue plantain lily · Hosta ventricosa

Why does my Blue plantain lily have holes in its leaves?

Seeing ragged holes in your hosta leaves is almost always the work of slugs or snails. These pests love the cool, damp environment your plant provides, so check the undersides of the leaves and the soil surface at night.

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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 slugs during the evening.
  2. Look for shiny slime trails on the soil or leaves.
  3. Check for brown, linear streaks between veins that indicate nematode damage.

Likely causes

  1. Slugs and snails

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see irregular holes in the center of leaves or chewed edges, often accompanied by slimy trails.

    What to do: Handpick them off the plant in the early evening. You can also place shallow dishes of beer near the base to trap them or use iron phosphate bait around the perimeter.

  2. Foliar nematodes

    Possible

    How to tell: These microscopic worms cause brown streaks between the leaf veins that look like dead tissue.

    What to do: Remove and destroy all affected leaves immediately to prevent spread. Do not compost these leaves, as the nematodes can survive in the soil.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your blue plantain lily

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

Minor holes are common and rarely kill the plant, but heavy infestations can ruin the appearance of the entire clump. If you see widespread streaking, it is time to act quickly to save the foliage.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the area around your hostas clear of debris and mulch to reduce hiding spots for slugs. Use copper tape around pots or raised beds to deter them from climbing up.

Blue plantain lily: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your blue plantain lily 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

Will my hosta die from slug damage?
Usually no. The plant will survive, but the leaves will look unsightly until they die back in winter.
Can I use salt to kill the slugs?
Do not use salt, as it will damage your soil and potentially kill your hosta. Stick to physical barriers or safe baits.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Blue plantain lily

Back to the Blue plantain lily 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.