Treating Pests That Attack Your Coleus

Coleus plants.
What You'll Need
Earth powders
Insecticide
Insecticidal soap
Alcohol
Water
Yellow sticky trap
All-purpose houseplant or ornamental spray
Slug bait or slug traps
Copper barriers
Fine gravel
What You'll Need
Earth powders
Insecticide
Insecticidal soap
Alcohol
Water
Yellow sticky trap
All-purpose houseplant or ornamental spray
Slug bait or slug traps
Copper barriers
Fine gravel

Coleus plants make a beautiful addition to any garden. However, they do attract certain pests that can cause damage. This article will get into the details of the different pests that attack this plant and what you can do about it.

Mealybugs

Mealybugs are the most common pests of this plant. They show up as white fuzz on the stems, leaves, and leaf axils. This pest moves very slowly and can be easily removed through an application of alcohol or insecticide.

Whiteflies

These are very tiny insects that fly out from under the leaves when you disturb the plant. These insects are attracted to the color yellow, so you can use this to your advantage when eliminating them from your garden. Purchase a yellow sticky trap from a garden center if you want to control these insects without pesticides.

Aphids

Aphids are another problem when it comes to the coleus plant. You can treat these insects by spraying them with water and then wiping off the plant. Another option is to spray the plants with an insecticide.

Spider Mites

If you have a spider mite infestation, you'll notice a problem forming on the underside of leaves with little red mites. These insects tend to pop up when the humidity is low, so you can control them by watching and cleaning your leaves on a regular basis and increasing the humidity near the plants. You can also spray the leaves with an insecticide to get rid of spider mites.

Fungus Gnats

These are tiny black flies that hover around the soil and love plants that contain a lot of moisture. You can control these insects by properly watering the plants and improving air circulation issues that may be helping them thrive. Improve the health of the plant by adding a ¼ inch layer of fine gravel to the top of the soil so the bugs are prevented from laying eggs.

Slugs

Slugs are another common problem. They can damage plants by eating the leaves and stems. You can get rid of slugs by purchasing a slug bait or making your own slug traps. Applying earth powder around the plants can also create a barrier for the slugs that will kill them as they crawl across it. It punctures their skin, which causes dehydration. Copper barriers are another option that can deter slugs.

If spraying pests is not something you want to do, try using a systemic insecticide that is put directly in the soil. This is a good way to control pests for a few weeks or months at a time. However, this method works best with potted plants.

Another option is insecticidal soap or even an all-purpose houseplant or ornamental spray. You can purchase these products at most garden centers. Dealing with pests and diseases is more of a concern when you have plants indoors. Keep this in mind if you plan on having a lot of potted plants in your home during the winter or all year round.

Pests That Attack Your Coleus FAQ

What is eating holes in my coleus?

Mealybugs can create black mold, which can look like small holes in leaves. Mealybugs are attracted to a lot of plants but they can be treated with soap.

Spider mites, aphids, and slugs are all attracted to coleus plants and can cause leaf damage or leave other noticeable signs of damage.

What insect eats coleus leaves?

Slugs, like coleus, love shady and damp environments. They will eat holes into the leaves and can do a lot of damage if left unchecked.

Try a simple hack: crushed eggshells. Place them around the base of plants and this will act as a natural deterrent to slugs.

How do you treat holes in plant leaves?

The only way to treat plant leaves that have holes in them is to treat whatever pest or problem is causing the holes. Get rid of the problem and this will allow new, healthy leaves to grow.

How do you keep bugs from eating holes in plants?

There are several options to choose from if you want to keep bugs away from plants. Mix a solution of one part white vinegar with three parts water and a few drops of liquid antibacterial soap.

Spray this mixture directly onto the leaves of plants. This will keep bugs away.

This solution will need to be applied to plants after it rains because it will wash off.

Can I spray vinegar on plants?

Vinegar is safe to spray on plants but you don't want to spray it directly onto vegetables, herbs, or anything else that's edible. It works well to keep bugs off the stems and leaves of plants but you shouldn't apply it directly to food items.