- Flea beetles are among the most common pests for pepper plants grown in home gardens. They are tiny insects that chew small, round, evenly shaped holes in the leaves of the pepper plant. Over time, the flea beetle can cause enough damage that the leaf will die and fall from the plant. Flea beetles can be recognized by the type of hole they make and by their habit of jumping rather than flying off when they are disturbed. Treat the plant by spraying its leaves with a diluted mix of dish soap and water.
- Aphids commonly afflict pepper plants. They live on the underside of the leaves and suck the sap from the plant, creating a lacy, weblike pattern of holes in the leaves. Eventually, the leaf falls off and dies. Aphids secret a honeydew-like substance that is sticky and also encourages mold growth. It is also a common transporter of bacteria. Aphids can be washed off with water, or they can be sprayed with a diluted mix of dish soap and water.
- Overwatering is one of the most common effects of leaf loss in pepper plants. Overwatering pepper plants will cause the plant to wilt, and eventually the leaves will yellow and fall off when they die. Signs of overwatering include large pools of standing water long after the plant has been watered and soggy, saturated soil. Properly watered plants should have moist soil 1 inch below the soil surface. Having a regular watering schedule will help prevent overwatering of the pepper plants.
- As the pepper plant ages, its older leaves naturally yellow and fall off due to age. This is a natural process and is actually a sign of health in the older plant. As the plant ages, it directs its energy and the nutrients it absorbs into producing fruit and newer leaves. As it grows older, it sheds its older leaves to further encourage new growth. Cut off or prune dead leaves as they appear, and clean old leaves that have fallen to the ground. This will help prevent the development of mold growth and rot in your pepper plants.
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