Why Are There Holes in the Leaves of Epipremnum aureum?
Epipremnum aureum, as a common indoor ornamental plant, often puzzles caretakers with mysterious holes on its leaves. These irregular damages not only affect the ornamental value but may also indicate potential health issues in the plant. This article will delve into the causes of leaf damage from two dimensions: pests and diseases and daily maintenance, providing professional solutions.
One, Core Causes of Leaf Damage Analysis
1.1 Nocturnal Invasion of Leafminer Flies
The leafminer flies lurking in the soil are the primary culprits, with adults only 2-3 millimeters long, feeding on leaf tissue at night. Initial signs of damage include linear feeding marks between the veins, which can develop into penetrate holes in severe cases. It is recommended to use phoxim granules (3% concentration) combined with yellow sticky traps, applying the pesticide once a week for three weeks.
1.2 The Evolutionary Process of Leaf Spot Disease
At the beginning of infection, the pathogen shows 1-2mm brown spots, which expand to 5-8mm necrotic areas as the disease progresses, eventually forming holes. Diseased plants need to be isolated immediately and sprayed with mancozeb (diluted 800 times) on the entire plant, while also strengthening environmental ventilation and maintaining relative humidity ≤65%.
Two, Scientific Maintenance Prevention System
2.1 Intelligent Irrigation Solution
Keep the substrate moisture between 40-60% in spring and summer, using the "soak pot" method combined with foliar spraying. In winter, control water to the point where the surface of the substrate is dry for 3 cm before watering, using softened water with an EC value <1.0 to avoid leaf edge scorching.
2.2 Light Control Strategy
Set up a scattered light environment of 2000-3000 lux, with the east-facing windowsill being the best placement position. In summer, use a sunshade net to filter 50% of direct sunlight, while in winter, the plant can receive 2 hours of direct sunlight in the morning.
2.3 Nutritional Management Points
Apply N-P-K=20-20-20 water-soluble fertilizer every half month during the growing season, combined with a chelated iron foliar fertilizer once a month. Be cautious of excessive nitrogen fertilizer, which can cause the leaves to become thin and increase the risk of pests and diseases.
By establishing a pest and disease monitoring system and standardized maintenance procedures, more than 90% of leaf damage issues can be effectively prevented. It is recommended to regularly check the leaf backs with a 10x magnifying glass, keep a maintenance log to record temperature and humidity changes, ensuring that Epipremnum aureum always remains in the best ornamental state.