Question
Hi, Kathy.  A few days ago I bought a tibouchina tree from a reputable nursery here in St. Pete, FL.  As soon as we got the tree home I noticed that quite a few of the leaves have little holes in them, like someone took a tiny hole puncher to the leaves.  (Or maybe some little bugs took bites out of them.) The tree is now planted in our back yard and it has started dropping leaves at a fast pace.  I'm concerned that I might have purchased a sick tree.  Currently it's about 6 feet tall, and aside from the holes in the leaves, it looks pretty healthy.  I planted it in a sheltered area and it gets some direct sun a few hours a day.  I have been watering it regularly.  Do you have any idea why the leaves are dropping off?  Is that normal?  What could have caused the little holes in the leaves?  I have no experience with tibouchinas so any advice is appreciated.

Answer
Hi Stephanie...Holes in the leaves are usually from snails or slugs on the inside of the leaves and grasshoppers on the outside eating in.  An insecticidal spray like Neem would help correct that.  Spraying on the ground as insects don't like walking on it.  

The yellow leaves could be just from transplant.     I do not know know which one you have but I have noticed mine do better in morning sun and afternoon shade.  But that is in pots.  It is too cold to grow in the ground here.  Spray your leaves also with the spray, just in case or for future protection.  I don't think you picked a bad plant just one that is a little tricky in the beginning.  If your soil is sandy you may have to water a little more than if it had alot of clay in it.  As good drainage is of utmost importance.