Hibiscus Leaves

Question

I have recently planted three beautiful Hibiscus plants in my garden. I live in San Diego where the weather is favorable. The downside – the leaves have begun to be attacked by something – leaving holes in the middle of the leaf of the plant. Please advise what it is – and how can I treat it.

Answer 1

There are a couple of different pests that it could be. If you are not seeing any bugs, I would lean towards it being slugs. They come out at night and can be difficult to spot due to this. A pan of beer placed near the base of the plant overnight will confirm whether this is the problem or not.

If it is not slugs, there are several possibilities. It could be flea beetles, Japanese beetles or caterpillars.