Troubleshooting
Hosta 'Sum and Substance' problems — and how to fix them
Hosta 'Sum and Substance' (Hosta 'Sum and Substance') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Slugs and snails
Less of an issue here than on thin-leaved hostas thanks to the heavy leaf substance, but young spring shoots can still be chewed. Use traps or iron-phosphate pellets.
Leaf scorch
Brown crispy margins from too much sun or dry soil. Provide afternoon shade and keep the large root zone evenly moist.
Vine weevil / crown rot
Larvae eat roots and crown stays wet in heavy soil, causing collapse. Improve drainage and treat with nematodes.
Hosta Virus X (HVX)
Causes mottling, ink-bleed patterns and tissue distortion; incurable. Buy clean stock and remove and destroy any infected plants.
Prevent hosta 'sum and substance' problems before they start
Most hosta 'sum and substance' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
- Common hosta 'sum and substance' problems — our other guide for the same plant
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Hosta 'Sum and Substance' watering schedule
- Hosta 'Sum and Substance' light requirements
- Best soil mix for hosta 'sum and substance'
- Hosta 'Sum and Substance' temperature & humidity
- Full hosta 'sum and substance' care guide
Looking for hosta 'sum and substance' in general rather than its problems? Read the full hosta 'sum and substance' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Hosta 'Sum and Substance' problems — FAQ
Why is my hosta 'sum and substance' slugs and snails?
Less of an issue here than on thin-leaved hostas thanks to the heavy leaf substance, but young spring shoots can still be chewed. Use traps or iron-phosphate pellets.
Why is my hosta 'sum and substance' leaf scorch?
Brown crispy margins from too much sun or dry soil. Provide afternoon shade and keep the large root zone evenly moist.
Why is my hosta 'sum and substance' vine weevil / crown rot?
Larvae eat roots and crown stays wet in heavy soil, causing collapse. Improve drainage and treat with nematodes.
Why is my hosta 'sum and substance' hosta virus x (hvx)?
Causes mottling, ink-bleed patterns and tissue distortion; incurable. Buy clean stock and remove and destroy any infected plants.