Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Look for slimy trails near the base of the plant.
- Check the undersides of leaves for tiny insects.
- Inspect the plant at night with a flashlight to catch slugs in the act.
Likely causes
Slug Infestation
Most likelyHow to tell: You see irregular holes in the leaves and slimy trails on the soil or stems.
What to do: Handpick slugs in the early morning or evening. You can also place a shallow dish of beer near the plant to trap them.
Aphids
PossibleHow to tell: Tiny green or black insects cluster on the undersides of leaves or on flower buds.
What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off. For heavy infestations, use insecticidal soap once a week.
Find out what's wrong with your balloon flower
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
Minor leaf damage is usually not fatal, but heavy feeding on new shoots can stunt growth for the entire season.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the area around your plants clear of debris where slugs like to hide.
Balloon flower: pests? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your balloon flower 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Are slugs harmful to the whole plant?
- They can be if they eat all the new growth, which prevents the plant from developing properly. Protecting the young shoots in spring is key.
- Do I need to use chemicals to kill slugs?
- Not usually. Physical barriers like crushed eggshells or simple traps often work well enough.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Balloon flower
Back to the Balloon flower 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.