What's eating my celosia (cockscomb)?

Celosia (cockscomb) is most threatened by aphids outdoors, which cluster on soft new growth and flower heads. Spider mites, caterpillars, and slugs also attack it. Inspect regularly, especially the undersides of leaves and around the base, and act at first sign to prevent colonies from establishing.

Sticky honeydew residue, distorted or curled new growth, and clusters of tiny green or black insects on stems and flower heads. Knock off with a strong water spray; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray weekly until clear. Encourage ladybugs and lacewings as natural predators.

Fine webbing on leaves and stems, tiny pale speckles on leaf surfaces, and a dull, dusty appearance, worst in hot dry weather. Mist foliage regularly to raise humidity; spray with diluted neem oil or a miticide. Remove heavily infested shoots and dispose of them.

Ragged holes chewed in leaves and flower bracts, sometimes with visible frass (droppings) on foliage below. Handpick caterpillars in the evening; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray as a biological control. Repeat after rain.

Irregular, silvery-trailed chew marks on lower leaves and young stems, mainly at soil level after rain or overnight. Remove mulch near the base, set beer traps, apply iron phosphate slug pellets around plants, and pick off slugs after dark.