What's eating my arisaema nepenthoides?

Arisaema nepenthoides, an unusual Himalayan jack-in-the-pulpit, is grown outdoors in cool, moist woodland conditions. Slugs and snails are the main threat to its emerging foliage in spring. Vine weevil grubs can destroy the corm. Aphids occasionally attack soft new growth. The plant's rarity makes early intervention especially important.

Holes and shredding of emerging leaves and the distinctive spathe; slime trails left on surrounding soil and foliage Use iron phosphate slug pellets from the moment shoots emerge; set beer traps nearby; hand-pick at dusk; avoid thick wet mulch directly over the corm

Larvae eat into the corm causing plant collapse; adult beetles create scalloped notches on leaf edges Apply Steinernema kraussei nematodes to moist soil in late summer; pot-grown plants can be treated with an imidacloprid drench

Soft-bodied clusters on unfurling growth; distorted leaves and honeydew residue Blast with water or apply insecticidal soap spray; introduce or attract beneficial predatory insects to the planting area