This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
What causes holes in peace lily leaves is usually pest activity, though physical damage and fungal infections can also cause them.
If you’ve noticed peace lily leaf holes appearing out of nowhere, you’re probably wondering what causes holes in peace lily leaves.
The good news is that holes in peace lily leaves are fixable once you identify the culprit.
In this post, we’ll cover what causes holes in peace lily leaves, how to spot the signs, and the best ways to prevent peace lily leaf holes.
Let’s get started.
What Causes Holes in Peace Lily Leaves?
Holes in peace lily leaves can happen for a few reasons, but the most common cause is hungry pests.
Here are the main culprits behind what causes holes in peace lily leaves.
1. Pest Infestations
When you ask what causes holes in peace lily leaves, pests are usually the number one answer.
Slugs and snails love to chew irregular holes in peace lily leaves, especially at night.
These creatures hide in the soil during the day and come out after dark to feast.
Caterpillars can also cause holes in peace lily leaves and devour leaf tissue quickly.
Thrips scrape the surface of peace lily leaves, leaving silvery patches and small holes.
Spider mites and mealybugs can contribute to peace lily leaf holes.
If your peace lily leaf holes look ragged and uneven, pests are almost certainly the reason.
2. Physical Damage
Sometimes what causes holes in peace lily leaves isn’t a pest at all, but physical damage.
Cats and dogs are notorious for nibbling on houseplants, and peace lily leaves are tempting.
If you have pets, they might be the ones creating holes in peace lily leaves.
Accidental bumps and knocks can cause punctures or tears that look like peace lily leaf holes.
Children playing near your plant can bend or break leaves, leaving damage that resembles pest holes.
Even your own hands can cause holes in peace lily leaves if you handle them too roughly.
3. Fungal and Bacterial Issues
Fungal and bacterial infections can also cause holes in peace lily leaves, though it’s less common.
Leaf spot diseases create brown or black spots that dry out and fall away, leaving holes.
This is one of the sneakier causes of peace lily leaf holes because the damage shows up later.
Overwatering creates the perfect environment for these pathogens, which then cause holes in peace lily leaves.
How to Identify What Causes Holes in Peace Lily Leaves
Now that you know the suspects, how do you tell which one is causing holes in your peace lily leaves?
Here’s how to narrow down what causes holes in peace lily leaves in your home.
Inspect the Undersides of Leaves
Pests love to hide on the undersides of peace lily leaves, so flip every leaf over.
Look for tiny insects, webbing, or sticky residue called honeydew.
If you find any of these signs, pests are what causes holes in peace lily leaves in your case.
Check the leaf axils and the top layer of soil where slugs and snails hide.
Look at the Pattern of the Holes
The shape of your peace lily leaf holes can tell you a lot.
Irregular, chewed edges usually mean caterpillars or slugs are causing holes in peace lily leaves.
Tiny, scattered holes with silvery streaks point to thrips.
Clean, mechanical-looking holes are more likely from physical damage.
If the holes have brown rims, a fungal infection might be what causes holes in peace lily leaves.
How to Fix and Prevent Holes in Peace Lily Leaves
Once you know what causes holes in peace lily leaves, you can stop the damage and keep your plant healthy.
Here’s how to treat peace lily leaf holes and prevent new ones.
1. Remove Pests by Hand or With Natural Sprays
If pests are what causes holes in peace lily leaves, start by removing them.
Pick off caterpillars and slugs by hand in the evening when they’re most active.
Wipe down peace lily leaves with a damp cloth to remove thrips and spider mites.
Spray your plant with water and dish soap to deter pests.
Neem oil is another natural option for treating peace lily leaf holes caused by insects.
Repeat the treatment until you stop seeing new holes in peace lily leaves.
2. Adjust Your Watering Routine
Overwatering invites fungal diseases that create holes in peace lily leaves.
Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Make sure your peace lily pot has good drainage.
This simple change can prevent fungal issues that lead to peace lily leaf holes.
Water in the morning so the leaves have time to dry during the day.
3. Protect Your Plant From Physical Damage
If pets or kids are causing holes in peace lily leaves, move the plant somewhere safer.
Place it on a high shelf or in a room pets can’t access.
Train your cat or dog to avoid the plant with citrus peels or a pet-safe repellent.
Being gentle when handling peace lily leaves will also reduce accidental holes.
4. Quarantine New Plants
New plants can bring pests into your home, and those pests can cause holes in peace lily leaves.
Keep new houseplants in a separate room for a couple of weeks first.
Inspect new peace lily leaves and other greenery carefully for bugs.
This simple step prevents peace lily leaf holes before they start.
So, What Causes Holes in Peace Lily Leaves?
What causes holes in peace lily leaves is most often pest infestations, but physical damage and fungal infections can also create peace lily leaf holes.
The good news is that identifying the cause is half the battle, and most holes in peace lily leaves are treatable.
With a little detective work, you can stop the damage and help your peace lily thrive.
Keep an eye on your plant, act quickly, and those peace lily leaf holes will be a thing of the past.