Knowledgebase

Elephant Ear weird paper like holes in middle of leaves #357795

Asked August 29, 2016, 5:41 PM EDT

Hi, I am having weird holes in the middle of the leaves and now I see eggs on back of leaf attached with pin like hairs...

Vermilion County Louisiana

Expert Response

The uniform pattern of damage in the first picture suggests an insect feeding on the leaf before it unfurled, much as the damage done to canna lillies by leaf rollers.   An application of a granular systemic pesticide to the soil may prevent a future infestation of the insect doing damage

The browning of the margins on your elephant ear would normally indicate drought stress, but given your area and the amount of rain received recently, this could also be  due to excess water, particularly if the water remained for a while and the daytime temperatures were hot.  I would suggest removing the affected leaves and pulling back any mulch from the crown of the plant to allow the soggy soil to dry a bit.  

The center picture shows eggs of a beneficial insect called a lacewing. They prey on other pests and are a welcome addition to any garden.  They do not damage the plants, but instead use the leaf as a "nursery" until the eggs hatch out and the resulting larvae begins to patrol for prey.  They are not to be confused with the lacebug, a common azalea pest.  
An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 31, 2016, 5:37 PM EDT

Loading ...