What's eating my arisaema ringens?

Arisaema ringens (cobra lily) is a cool-temperate garden aroid prone to slug damage on its boldly striped spathe. Aphids attack tender new growth, and vine weevil grubs can hollow out the corm underground. Protect emerging spathes early in spring when slug activity peaks.

Holes and ragged edges on the emerging spathe and leaf blades; slime trails at the base of plants. Use iron-phosphate slug pellets; set beer traps nearby; clear dead organic debris where slugs shelter.

Distorted or sticky new growth; colonies visible on stems and undersides of leaf petioles. Remove by hand or with a water jet; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap solution weekly until clear.

White C-shaped grubs chew corm roots, causing sudden wilting and plant death, especially in containers. Drench soil with Steinernema kraussei nematodes in early autumn; inspect and destroy grubs when repotting.