ndsgrowanswered grow question 4d ago Hi Donald,
Caterpillar damage usually looks like small to medium-sized holes in the leaves. Also, caterpillars don’t lay eggs themselves — butterflies and moths do. They usually lay their eggs on the undersides of leaves. Unfortunately, I can’t make out the white specks clearly, but they’re not caterpillar eggs, at least not eggs laid by caterpillars.
Get yourself a blacklight flashlight. It’s great for spotting caterpillars so you can pick them off by hand (I had to do that outdoors myself this year).
As for the brown, mushy leaves, make sure your soil isn’t too wet. It could be a sign of too much moisture. It’s definitely not caused by caterpillars!!!
Try wiping the white specks off. You can also treat the plant with neem oil, as long as it’s not in the flowering stage.
Caterpillars don’t like water either, and neither do spider mites.
If you have any more questions or anything isn’t clear, just ask! ;)