I scored 2 brugmansia xcandidas from my local nursery about 2 1/2 weeks ago for $10 each. They were about 1 1/2 feet tall. I got them home and repotted them (w/Miracle Grow potting soil) in 5 gallon pots and have been faithfully watering them. When I got them, some of the leaves had some pretty extensive holes on them, but I checked the leaves (top and underside) along with an employee at the nursery and neither of us saw any visible bugs. After repotting I stripped the leaves that were really bad, but left some on that had only one or two holes (I didn't want to shock them too badly). I marked the holes so I'd know if any new damage showed up.

All was well, with no new damage, until today! This morning I went out to water my brugs when I notices a leaf was all chewed up! This leave had been touching the railing on my porch. I scooted it back so it wasn't touching anything, and checked the underside of all of the leaves. I didn't see any bugs, but I saw what looks like droppings stuck to the underside of a lot of the leaves. They are small, dark ovals, usually a cluster of 3-5, and there are about 2 or 3 clusters on 1/2 of the leaves on both plants. Does anyone know what pest this is indicative of? What should I do? My plants are now about 3 feet tall and growing like gangbusters. This is my first go 'round with brugs and I am really excited about getting some blooms this year.

Sarah
zone 8 (coastal NC)
newbie gardener

Oops! I see that I've put my zone down as 3, but I'm really in 8.

Sarah
zone 8 (coastal NC)
newbie gardener

A pic of the damage and the remains of deposits would help if you have them.

Canada 5b
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