What details help identify what is making holes in my plant's leaves?
Quick answer
Record the plant’s name if known, where it is growing, which leaves have holes, what the damage looks like, when you first noticed it, and whether you see insects or other clues. Take clear photos of the whole plant and its setting, then close-ups of the damage; add a size reference if useful. These details help someone assess the problem, but they do not prove a particular cause.
The question, the details, the next step.
My plant has holes in its leaves. What should I write down before asking someone to identify the cause?
Start with observations, not a guess about the culprit. Record:
- Plant name, if known; otherwise, describe it or note that it is unidentified.
- Where it is growing, such as indoors, outdoors, or in a container, and which part of the plant is affected.
- What the holes look like and where they appear on the leaf.
- When you first noticed them and whether the pattern has changed.
- Anything you actually saw nearby, such as an insect, droppings, webbing, or no visible clue.
Keep uncertain details marked as uncertain. A careful record makes it easier to discuss possibilities without presenting a guess as a finding.
What should I include in photos? I can’t tell which pictures are useful.
Take a small set that gives both context and detail: one photo of the whole plant and its setting, then clear close-ups of the affected leaves and the holes. Boulder County Extension recommends showing the whole plant and setting as well as close-ups of symptoms or small features; it also suggests clear lighting and a scale when helpful. [S1]
Try to keep the damaged area in focus and include an unaffected leaf for comparison if one is available. If the plant is large, photograph the part where the damage is concentrated. Photos document what you observed; they do not establish the cause on their own. [S1]
How do I describe the hole pattern without assuming it’s an insect?
Use plain visual descriptions. Note whether the holes are round, ragged, narrow, or irregular; whether they are near the edge or within the leaf; and whether the leaf also has discoloration, marks, or missing sections. Say how many leaves you checked and whether the damage is clustered in one area or spread across the plant.
For example, write “Several lower leaves have irregular holes near the edges; the newer leaves look intact” rather than “a caterpillar ate the plant.” The first sentence reports what you can see; the second names a cause you may not have confirmed.
I only noticed the holes today. What timing details matter, and can you give me a template?
Write when you first saw the damage, when you last remember the leaves looking intact if you know, and whether you have checked again. If you do not know when it began, say so rather than estimating. Note any insects or other signs only if you observed them, and describe where you saw them; “none noticed” is useful and more precise than implying you checked everywhere.
Copy and fill in this record: Plant: [name, or description] Growing location: [indoors/outdoors/container; setting] Damage first noticed: [date or “unknown”] Affected area: [which leaves or plant parts] Hole pattern: [shape, position, number of leaves] Other visible changes: [description, or “none noticed”] Insects or other clues seen: [what and where, or “none noticed”] Photos: [whole plant and setting; close-ups; scale included or not] Questions: [what you want help distinguishing]
The record helps someone review the evidence. The cited photography guidance supports documenting the plant and symptoms, but it does not identify what caused leaf holes. [S1]
A practical checklist
Write the plant name if known; otherwise, mark it unidentified.
Record where the plant is growing and which leaves are affected.
Describe hole shape, position, and how many leaves show damage.
Note when you first noticed the holes and what has changed since.
List only insects or other clues you actually observed.
Photograph the whole plant and setting, then clear close-ups; add scale if helpful. [S1]
A few more useful answers
What if I do not know the plant’s name?
Mark it as unidentified and describe its appearance and growing setting. Include a whole-plant photo and close-ups of the leaf damage; those records can support follow-up identification. [S1]
Do photos prove what made the holes?
No. Photos can document the plant, setting, and symptoms, but the cited guidance does not identify the cause of holes. Treat them as evidence for follow-up, not proof of a particular pest. [S1]
Should I write down that I did not see an insect?
Yes, if you checked and did not notice one, record “none noticed” and, if useful, what areas you checked. That reports your observation without claiming no insect is present.
Sources
References used for this guide.
- [S1] Digital Photography for Plant Problem Diagnosis or Plant ID - Boulder County Extension extension.colostate.edu · Checked