Trying again......

My cuttings are incredible - this was my first year to try that!!!!!! AND my cut back parent plant(s) are doing well - full of healthy looking big leaves as they bush out in anticipation of the season that is just around the corner. HOWEVER - last year when I put plant outside - the new leaves were immediately gobbled up by "something" - leaves riddled with holes - and only a few flowers.

So - what is the recommended prevention? - I am an old newbie - been around DG's for a number of years, but a kindergarten student when it comes to Brugs.

Thanks so much!

What happened to the cuttings?

Have you checked for snails, slugs or cater pillars? Bugs could also make small holes, while sucking and these will become large holes with continous leaf growth. However, the leaf is deformed, its different than damage done by snails or cater pillars.

So much to that - US fanciers may add to this as I live in Europe and we do not have all pests like the cucumber beetle, which seems to cause much damage on Brugmansias in the US.

The cuttings are doing fine (they are still in the house) ..... what my concern is about what happens when they and the parent plants go back outside ..... as last year there were a bizillion small holes in the leaves, and because I was otherwise distracted by the other garden work, I didn't pursue the problem when I should have.

So - my question nearly falls into a Brug 101 category - (and I did check the FAQ about Brugs) - ....

What are the common sources of problems w/ Brugs that have leaf holes - and what is the common solution ...if there IS such a thing???

Thanks so much!!!!

well, cucumber beetles and snails are very bad here. Try getting Bayer systemic at Walmart and treat them about a week or so before you put them out. That way it's started working it's way into the plant. The bizillion small holes sounds a lot like cucumber beetles, especially early in the season. Later on there are tiny worms and a good regimen of sevin spray will help with that.
http://www.brugmansias.org/pests.html

This message was edited Wednesday, Feb 12th 10:30 AM

Thanks, TiG, that helps a lot - exactly the kind of link and information that I needed......