Pest identification
What's eating my aucuba japonica picturata?
Aphids
Signs: Colonies on new growth and leaf undersides produce sticky honeydew; leaves may pucker and sooty mold forms on surfaces below.
Control: Dislodge with strong water spray; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Foster natural predators such as ladybirds.
Vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus)
Signs: Adults create notched leaf margins; larvae destroy roots in autumn and winter, causing sudden wilt of container specimens.
Control: Apply nematode drench (Steinernema kraussei) to moist compost in late summer or early autumn.
Scale insects
Signs: Immobile waxy bumps on stems reduce sap flow; sticky honeydew encourages sooty mold, dulling the ornamental foliage.
Control: Remove manually on small infestations; apply horticultural oil spray when crawlers are active in spring.
Keep aucuba japonica picturata pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Aucuba japonica Picturata pests — FAQ
What is eating my aucuba japonica picturata?
Aucuba japonica 'Picturata' is highly pest-resistant. Aphids are the most likely pest, colonising leaf undersides and causing honeydew and sooty mold. Vine weevil can threaten container plants by destroying roots over winter. The tough, leathery, bitter foliage makes it naturally deer and rabbit resistant. Regular inspection is enough for most gardeners.
How do I get rid of aphids on aucuba japonica picturata?
Colonies on new growth and leaf undersides produce sticky honeydew; leaves may pucker and sooty mold forms on surfaces below. Dislodge with strong water spray; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Foster natural predators such as ladybirds.
How do I get rid of vine weevil (otiorhynchus sulcatus) on aucuba japonica picturata?
Adults create notched leaf margins; larvae destroy roots in autumn and winter, causing sudden wilt of container specimens. Apply nematode drench (Steinernema kraussei) to moist compost in late summer or early autumn.
How do I get rid of scale insects on aucuba japonica picturata?
Immobile waxy bumps on stems reduce sap flow; sticky honeydew encourages sooty mold, dulling the ornamental foliage. Remove manually on small infestations; apply horticultural oil spray when crawlers are active in spring.